Southern University and A&M College is the Soul Mother of the Jaguar Nation. From its humble beginnings in 1880 in the city of New Orleans as a higher education institution for "people of color" to the present day, she has provided shelter, protection, and inspiration for the underprivileged for 134 years. Southern University has been a world leader in the production of scholars, military officers, and sportsmen. The outstanding leaders highlighted include P. B. S Pinchback, J. S. Clark, Felton Clark, Mel Blount, Bob Love, Lou Brock, and Willie Davenport. The 1948 Jaguars' (12-0) 30-0 victory over San Francisco State Beavers in Kezar Stadium gave credibility to black college football.
This book is divided in three parts. A brief overview of each part is given below.
Part I
A Comprehensive History of Southern University
Near the close of the Reconstruction period, P. B. S Pinchback, T. T. Allain, and T. B. Stamps led the movement that resulted in the establishment of Southern University. During its 32 years in New Orleans, the Tuskegee Model of industrial education was emphasized. In 1890, the university received federal funds to supplement its annual $10,000 appropriations. Under the leadership of J. S. Clark, the university was-in 1914-relocated to its present site. Under the leadership of Felton G. Clark, the university became nationally recognized and the largest HBCU in the nation.
Part II
The Momentous Achievements of Southern
The achievements of the university are highlighted by its graduates. Profiles of forty-six graduates, more than 500 terminal degree holders, ninety CPAs, and six families are provided.
Part III
Southern University and Its Great Football Traditions
The 95-year existence of the Southern University football program has been an elite one in Black college football. Under eighteen head coaches, including the great ones of Brice Union Taylor (USC), A. W. "Ace" Mumford (Wiberforce), and Pete Richardson (Dayton), the Jaguars won 558 games, including nine bowl games. The 1948 Fruit Bowl victory (30-0) over San Francisco State was historic, marking the first bowl game and the second game between an all-Black team and an all-White team. A. W. "Ace" Mumford (1936-1961) with 246 victories is second only to Eddie Robinson of Grambling State University among Black coaches.
A complete history of the Bayou Classic is given. The Jaguar Nation including the Human Jukebox Marching 235, the top-ranked band in the nation, and the Dancing Dolls is highlighted.