Collection Timeline

1962 to 2010

1962
Photo of the Twentieth Century Room in Burling Library at Grinnell College. The Twentieth Century room later became the home of the Black Library.

1966
Howie Ward with rat. Howie was a member of CBS.

1967
Student, either Roy Walker or Hubert Farbes, using a microscope.
The program for the closing event of a three-day long convocation, "The Liberal Arts College in a World of Change." Martin Luther King Jr. attended this event and spoke to a crowd of 4,000 people at Darby Gym

1968
This article reports the first time that CBS approached the Student Government Association (SGA) for $400 dollars (about $3,618 dollars in 2024) to create a Black Library and a Black student newspaper. The article details 6 other proposals that CBS wanted to enact, many of which were later reflected in the Black Manifesto.
CBS cheerleaders, 1968. Front to back: Micki Weston, Unknown, Shirley, Linda Copeland. CBS was founded in 1968, when only 10 Black students attended Grinnell.
Students examining nature. Left to right: Hubert Farbes '69, Unknown. Farbes became the first President of CBS on February 2nd, 1968.
The Pterodactyl was an underground student newspaper published between February 8, 1968 and November 1969. This issue contained an article "What We Ought To Do" (page 2 & 18) that includes information about the situation for Black faculty, staff and students at Grinnell and a photo of CBS.
The Pterodactyl was an underground student newspaper published between February 8, 1968 and November 1969. On page 6 of this issue, there is an article on the Concerned Black Students (CBS) meeting that stated an a series of objectives including “Project 7-A Black Library to be incorporated as a part (permanent) or Burling or a separate library. This will include works by Black writers”

1969
Students in the ARH, late 1960s. Ernie Rose, ‘71, standing left; Timothy Dartshorne, ‘71, sitting. Rose was an active member of CBS.
Booker T. Carter '71, Ernest T. Weston '71, Gregory M. Coggs '70, and Frank E. Thomas '71. were active in CBS. This photo, and other Black Expressions photos were in a brochure CBS created to let prospective Black students know what to expect from Grinnell College.
Two black students studying in burling. This photo, and other Black Expressions photos were in a brochure CBS created to let prospective Black students what to expect from Grinnell College.
On the first anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s Assassination, CBS organized the first Black Martyr's Weekend. The event was designed to honor Dr. King and others who died fighting for racial justice. The event included a speech by Dr. Nathan Hare, the chairman of the Black Student Party at San Francisco State College; a panel discussion titled "In Defense of Black People — The Black Panther Party" which featured three members of the Des Moines Black Panther Party; a lecture by Dr. Charles H. Nichols, a visiting professor of History and American Studies at Grinnell, titled “Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Present American Mood”; a dance performance by CBS members; a dance headlined by the Jackson 5; and a speech by William Strickland, a New York psychologist and founder of the Northern Student Movement.
Left to right: Gregory M. Coggs, class of 1970, and Frank E. Thomas, class of 1971, sitting on the front step of the Black Cultural Center (BBC), May 1970.
A student sleeping on one of the sofas in Burling Library.
Three African American students sit in the Forum.
Three African American students sit in the Forum, March 1969. Left to right: Mattye L. Nelson ‘69, Karen M. Wooldridge ‘72, and L. Sherri DesChaps ‘69. All three were involved with CBS.

1970
Photograph of Rev. V. Lonnie Peek Jr. speaking at the Black Martyrs' Convocation on April 4, 1970. For the second annual Black Martyrs’ Weekend, CBS organized musical performances by baritone Arthur Thompson and pianist Herbie Hancock, a jazz combo, a dance featuring the Soul Brothers Band, a play by Errol Jones and other CBS members, a sermon from Rev. Joseph H. Williams, a fundraising fast for the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship fund, and an open house art show at the BCC. Rev. V. Lonnie Peek Jr. was highly involved in “making higher education more responsive to the aspirations and concerns of black students” (S&B 4/3/1970 page 1), which aligned with CBS’s goals.
Students in Burling library during New Student Days.

1971
On the morning of November 29th, 1971, over 50 students occupied Burling Library. At the time, the office of the president, as well as other college administrative offices, resided in Burling, and it was a main hub of campus activity. The students chained the doors, prevented white patrons from entering, and distributed The Black Manifesto: a list of 10 demands designed to improve campus life for black students and faculty. The Scarlet and Black included a photo taken outside the library during the Takeover, where the signs of the protesting students can be seen. This is possibly the only photo of the first Burling Library Take Over. The front article covers the different campus meetings that will discuss the demands made during the Burling Take Over. The article " 'NBC' retracted" reports on a racist flier that satirized the Black Manifesto.
Andrew Morgan Davis, class of 1971 and Professor McKibben at Burling Library.
Photo of Barry Huff, class of 1973. Barry was a member of CBS during his time at Grinnell College.
Val Gray Ward speaking at Grinnell’s third Black Martyr's Weekend. Celestine Bloomfield ‘71 wrote in the Scarlet and Black student newspaper that Ward gave a “stirring rendition of James Weldon Johnson's The Creation”. The 1971 Black Martyr's Weekend featured a full schedule including a “Soul Food Bazaar”, film screenings of “The Olive Tree of Justice” and “Viridiana”, a concert by The Impressions, Poetry and dramatic readings by actress Val Gray Ward, a lecture by Black nationalist Christian minister The Rev. Albert B. Cleage, Jr., a performance of "The Lion Writes” by the Cleveland theater group The Karamu Players, a performance by CBS, and a lecture with activist and comedian Dick Gregory. Gregory ended his lecture with the quote:”You have the all-important job of returning sanity to an insane society … The . . . thing you young folks have that scares us old folks is your moral force.” (S&B April 9, 1971 pg 3). Cleage focus his lecture on the stages of revolution, stating that “First, you cry out. Then you hit at the nearest point of irritation”(S&B April 9, 1971 pg 3).
Dick Gregory speaking at the Black Martyr's Weekend, 1971. The 1971 Black Martyr's Weekend featured a full schedule including a “Soul Food Bazaar”, film screenings of “The Olive Tree of Justice” and “Viridiana”, a concert by The Impressions, Poetry and dramatic readings by actress Val Gray Ward, a lecture by Black nationalist Christian minister The Rev. Albert B. Cleage, Jr., a performance of "The Lion Writes” by the Cleveland theater group The Karamu Players, a performance by CBS, and a lecture with activist and comedian Dick Gregory. Gregory ended his lecture with the quote:”You have the all-important job of returning sanity to an insane society … The . . . thing you young folks have that scares us old folks is your moral force.” (S&B April 9, 1971 pg 3). Cleage focused his lecture on the stages of revolution, stating that “First, you cry out. Then you hit at the nearest point of irritation”(S&B April 9, 1971 pg 3).
Dick Gregory speaking at the 1971 Black Martyrs' convocation. The 1971 Black Martyr's Weekend featured a full schedule including a “Soul Food Bazaar”, film screenings of “The Olive Tree of Justice” and “Viridiana”, a concert by The Impressions, Poetry and dramatic readings by actress Val Gray Ward, a lecture by Black nationalist Christian minister The Rev. Albert B. Cleage, Jr., a performance of "The Lion Writes” by the Cleveland theater group The Karamu Players, a performance by CBS, and a lecture with activist and comedian Dick Gregory. Gregory ended his lecture with the quote:”You have the all-important job of returning sanity to an insane society … The . . . thing you young folks have that scares us old folks is your moral force.” (S&B April 9, 1971 pg 3). Cleage focus his lecture on the stages of revolution, stating that “First, you cry out. Then you hit at the nearest point of irritation”(S&B April 9, 1971 pg 3).
This includes two versions of the Concerned Black Students' (CBS) Manifesto, the second of which was submitted to the college as a list of demands on the part of black students on campus. A special faculty meeting was held to discuss the demands, the minutes from which also appear here.
Denise L. Iverson ’74 (at table) and Roxane D. Brown ’74 (at bookshelf) in the Black Cultural Center (BCC). The creation of the BCC was one of the first goals of CBS, and it was realized in 1969. While it initially served as gathering space, it also became student housing when there was a shortage of dorm rooms. In 1971, First-years Iverson and Brown lived in the BCC with Lurverne Vann (Bell) ‘72, Juanita Carswell ‘71, and Sylvia Wallace ‘73. During the 1971 Burling Take Over, the 7th demand of the Black Manifesto stated that “because of the enrollment and the programs of CBS,we feel that the present Cultural Center is insufficient, therefore we demand a house large enough to accommodate the programs of CBS”.
FBI memo from the Director's office to the Omaha field office. The letter refers to the Burling Takeover by CBS and directs the office to re-open its investigations into the group and discover its leadership, aims, and objectives and activities.
FBI Memo identifying the founding officers of the Concerned Black Students group as Linda Copeland, Frank L Thomas, Gregory Coggs. The document states that "No additional investigation remains" into the groups' activites. This was dated 9 months prior to the Burling Takeover.
FBI memo about the Burling Library Takeover. Nearly all of the information is redacted.
This memo was sent by the Joint Board of the House of Presidents after the Burling Take Over. It references the tensions on campus between black and white members of Grinnell, and that all member of the Grinnell college community should respect the negotiations to alleviate the present tensions. The memo refers to the "NBC Manifesto", which was a racist satire of CBS’s Black Manifesto distributed soon after the take over.
This issue of Scarlet and Black included several articles relating to the Burling Library Takeover. Entire issue is included to highlight how important this event was to the campus community. On page 1, "Clarification and Interpretations of Week's Events", "Leggett, SGA Review Results", "Blacks, SGA Meet with Trustees" and "News Summary". On page 4, "Leggett Statement on Black Agreements", which includes a section on the institution of a Black Library. on page 5, "CBS Clarifies Positions to Students", "CBS Disclaims Recent Vandalism". On page 7, " Faculty Meeting; Approve Admissions Board", Page 10 (listed as 25), letter to the editors title "Blacks". On Page 11 (listed as 35), "Whites -- Aware of an Issue".
A statement supporting the "Blacks" and the Burling Takeover and signed by David Mura, Rick Faust, Gordon Brown, Jim Gold, Judy Kressman.
Office of College Relations Memo covering the Burling Library Take Over
1971 admissions staff. Features: Maurice Hunt Stephen P. Carroll Marilyn D. Scholl Roger H. Koester D. Nicholas Ryan. Maurice "Mo" Hunt was a coach and an Admissions Counselor at Grinnell College in the early 1970's. He served as the head of the Black Admissions Board until it's dissolvement in 1976 after a letter from U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare deems it “unacceptable". The April 6th, 1973 issue of the Scarlet & Black stated that Hunt wanted to increase "the Black student population from the current 5% to at least 10% of the total student population". As of 2025, the Black student population of Grinnell College has never reached 10% of the total student population.

1972
The Black Library became a space for events that featured Black scholarship and excellence. The article, "Barlow: Vibrant, Varied Emotions" Article by Irma McClaurin about Barlow's public reading in the Black Library, includes picture of the Black Library behind Barlow.
The S&B article covers the 2nd Library Takeover. The main photo features Dean Walker addressing the students who were reshelving books in the Twentieth Century Room to protest the lack of a Black Library. Two other photos of students reshelving books and sitting in the 20th century room are included. The involvement of Professor Virginius Thorton is documented, as are his comments that he believed this action would lead to him being fired.
The Scarlet and Black article “Enlarge the black library?” discussed the debate around the size of the Black library collection and included a sketch of three shelves the first iteration of the Black Library occupied.
This article reports that the library assembled 900+ books for the Black Library that will be housed in the 20th Century Room. Librarian Mary Gae Wyly is mentioned as the librarian primarily working on the collection. Other details include the collection development efforts, funding, potential events, and Leggat's guidelines for the space. Librarian Christopher Mckee states that he would really appreciate suggestions for the library. A photo of the Black Library is included.
Includes Editorial about the Black Library that supports its creation.
This article covers President Leggett's recommendations for the Black Library.
Photo of Allen S. Hammond '72 and Duane T. Taylor '73. This photo, and other Black Expressions photos were in a brochure CBS created to let prospective Black students what to expect from Grinnell College. The Black Manifesto’s stated that “We demand that this administration establish a Black community with no less that 200 representatives taken from all walks of life of Black people, and that the responsibility of for the establishment of this community be co-shared by the present black community.”
A photograph taken during Grinnell's Black Martyr's Weekend, April 28-30, 1972. Events of the 4th Black Martyrs Weekend included a poetry reading by renowned poet Gwendolyn Brooks, a speech delivered by “radical” Christian theologian James Cone, informal lectures (referred to as rap sessions) with journalist Lutrelle Palmer and Revolutionary Workers Union spokesman James Boggs, and a dance featuring a Chicago band, Rasputin Stash.
A photograph taken during Grinnell's Black Martyr's Weekend, April 28-30, 1972. Events of the 4th Black Martyrs Weekend included a poetry reading by renowned poet Gwendolyn Brooks, a speech delivered by “radical” Christian theologian James Cone, informal lectures (referred to as rap sessions) with journalist Lutrelle Palmer and Revolutionary Workers Union spokesman James Boggs, and a dance featuring a Chicago band, Rasputin Stash.
A photograph taken during Grinnell's Black Martyr's Weekend, April 28-30, 1972. Events of the 4th Black Martyrs Weekend included a poetry reading by renowned poet Gwendolyn Brooks, a speech delivered by “radical” Christian theologian James Cone, informal lectures (referred to as rap sessions) with journalist Lutrelle Palmer and Revolutionary Workers Union spokesman James Boggs, and a dance featuring a Chicago band, Rasputin Stash.
Black Martyrs' Weekend (April 28-30, 1972) - 12 Photos
A photograph taken during Grinnell's Black Martyr's Weekend, April 28-30, 1972. Events of the 4th Black Martyrs Weekend included a poetry reading by renowned poet Gwendolyn Brooks, a speech delivered by “radical” Christian theologian James Cone, informal lectures (referred to as rap sessions) with journalist Lutrelle Palmer and Revolutionary Workers Union spokesman James Boggs, and a dance featuring a Chicago band, Rasputin Stash.
A photograph taken during Grinnell's Black Martyr's Weekend, April 28-30, 1972. Events of the 4th Black Martyrs Weekend included a poetry reading by renowned poet Gwendolyn Brooks, a speech delivered by “radical” Christian theologian James Cone, informal lectures (referred to as rap sessions) with journalist Lutrelle Palmer and Revolutionary Workers Union spokesman James Boggs, and a dance featuring a Chicago band, Rasputin Stash.
A photograph taken during Grinnell's Black Martyr's Weekend, April 28-30, 1972. Events of the 4th Black Martyrs Weekend included a poetry reading by renowned poet Gwendolyn Brooks, a speech delivered by “radical” Christian theologian James Cone, informal lectures (referred to as rap sessions) with journalist Lutrelle Palmer and Revolutionary Workers Union spokesman James Boggs, and a dance featuring a Chicago band, Rasputin Stash.
A photograph taken during Grinnell's Black Martyr's Weekend, April 28-30, 1972. Events of the 4th Black Martyrs Weekend included a poetry reading by renowned poet Gwendolyn Brooks, a speech delivered by “radical” Christian theologian James Cone, informal lectures (referred to as rap sessions) with journalist Lutrelle Palmer and Revolutionary Workers Union spokesman James Boggs, and a dance featuring a Chicago band, Rasputin Stash.
A photograph taken during Grinnell's Black Martyr's Weekend, April 28-30, 1972. Events of the 4th Black Martyrs Weekend included a poetry reading by renowned poet Gwendolyn Brooks, a speech delivered by “radical” Christian theologian James Cone, informal lectures (referred to as rap sessions) with journalist Lutrelle Palmer and Revolutionary Workers Union spokesman James Boggs, and a dance featuring a Chicago band, Rasputin Stash.
A photograph taken during Grinnell's Black Martyr's Weekend, April 28-30, 1972. Events of the 4th Black Martyrs Weekend included a poetry reading by renowned poet Gwendolyn Brooks, a speech delivered by “radical” Christian theologian James Cone, informal lectures (referred to as rap sessions) with journalist Lutrelle Palmer and Revolutionary Workers Union spokesman James Boggs, and a dance featuring a Chicago band, Rasputin Stash.
A photograph taken during Grinnell's Black Martyr's Weekend, April 28-30, 1972. Events of the 4th Black Martyrs Weekend included a poetry reading by renowned poet Gwendolyn Brooks, a speech delivered by “radical” Christian theologian James Cone, informal lectures (referred to as rap sessions) with journalist Lutrelle Palmer and Revolutionary Workers Union spokesman James Boggs, and a dance featuring a Chicago band, Rasputin Stash.
A photograph taken during Grinnell's Black Martyr's Weekend, April 28-30, 1972. Events of the 4th Black Martyrs Weekend included a poetry reading by renowned poet Gwendolyn Brooks, a speech delivered by “radical” Christian theologian James Cone, informal lectures (referred to as rap sessions) with journalist Lutrelle Palmer and Revolutionary Workers Union spokesman James Boggs, and a dance featuring a Chicago band, Rasputin Stash.
A photograph taken during Grinnell's Black Martyr's Weekend, April 28-30, 1972. Events of the 4th Black Martyrs Weekend included a poetry reading by renowned poet Gwendolyn Brooks, a speech delivered by “radical” Christian theologian James Cone, informal lectures (referred to as rap sessions) with journalist Lutrelle Palmer and Revolutionary Workers Union spokesman James Boggs, and a dance featuring a Chicago band, Rasputin Stash.
Students and family at the 1972 Commencement. Robed graduates left to right: LuVernne Vann; Linda Copeland Rozell; Alan D. Wheat; Carl Brennan. Many of the students were members of CBS.
David Weston, class of 1973, and Mary Gae Wyly, reference librarian, looking through the library catalog. Wyly was reportedly one of the librarians who worked on reorganizing and expanding the Black Library.
FBI cover sheet for an enclosed eleven LHM summaries of CBS students. FBI Letterhead Memorandum (LHM) are documents containing potentially derogatory information about the subject of the LHM.
Photo of Irma McClaurin '72. McClaurin was an active member of CBS and participated in the Burling Library Takeover.
Document outlining Leggetts plan for the Black Library
An early draft outlining Leggett's plan for the Black Library
Leggett's response to the Black library proposal, addressed to CBS member Patricia Swansey
A proposal for the Randal Morgan Collection in Burling Basement. This proposal was sent three months after the Burling Takeover. This document states that while attempts were made to meet the 10th demand of the Black Manifesto (“The institution of a Black Library with all audio-visual equipment that will aid in the academic survival of all black students”), the 50 books that made up the Black Library at that time was not satisfactory. The document outlines more detailed demands like collection development responsibilities, necessary equipment, financial and maintenance considerations, etc. The document also provides more details as to why a Black Library is needed, included the need to “give credit to an important cultural contribution that has thus been overlooked”.
Page 1: "Propose Black Studies Major". Page 2: "Correct Story on Library". Page 4: "Ask For White Racial Awareness", "thornton Decries S&B Coverage", "Lalonde Expand Library Statement". Page 6: "Wright Discusses Black Views",
A lesser known example of activism for the Black Library is the Circulation Demonstration of February 29th, 1972. About 40 Black students checked out over 800 books between 10 and 11 pm. All the books were reported to be relevant to Black Studies and were loaded into a van that went to the BCC. Earlier that day, the library received an anonymous call informing them that some sort of demonstration was going to take place that night over the College’s decision to fire Alan Nasser. Librarian Henry Alden reported to Dean Wally Walker that the students did not violate any library rules in this demonstration, but did keep the library unusually busy. See Page 1: "Library Circulation Rises". Other relevant articles: Page 5 "Lessons from 2 Hot issues", "Mckee Named New Librarian", Page 7: "Propose Small Black Library"
Wally Walker speaking to CBS students in the 20th century room. Members of CBS felt that many of the promised made to address CBS’s demands were not being fulfilled. To encourage more momentum, students staged a second demonstration. This time, students reshelved books that should be included in the Black Library and placed them in the 20th Century Room, which is where CBS wanted the Black Library to be located.
An invitation from CBS to a Speakeasy at the Forum. According to the invite, the form of the Speakeasy was adapted from revolutionary China, and created a space where oppressed people could communicate their feelings without the privileged group interjecting. The goal of the event was to allow black and white students to discuss the racial climate of Grinnell College at the time.
A Memo about the black library discussions. Ms. Wyly was the point person for the Black library creation. Handwritten addition on the letter reads "Didn't mean to steal this - Wally". The document is undated but was likely written in the spring semester of 1972.

1973
This issue of the Scarlet & Black covered highlights of events that occurred during the graduating class tenure, including the Burling Takeover and responses to the incident.
Four students wait for information. The Black Manifesto’s stated that “We demand that this administration establish a Black community with no less that 200 representatives taken from all walks of life of Black people, and that the responsibility of for the establishment of this community be co-shared by the present black community.”
Two students chat during registration.The Black Manifesto’s stated that “We demand that this administration establish a Black community with no less that 200 representatives taken from all walks of life of Black people, and that the responsibility of for the establishment of this community be co-shared by the present black community.”
Students in the Forum, December 12, 1973. Clockwise: Carol R. Breazeal, class of 1975; Lawrence R. Huntoon, class of 1974; Artace L. Kelting, class of 1976; Phyllis E. Dawson, class of 1974; Craig D. Zippe, class of 1976

1974
Careda Rolland '76, Milton P. Rolland '75 & Edna (Candy) Haggins. Haggins was a resident advisor as of 1973
A student moving in to dorms during New Student Days, 1974. The forth demand of the Black Manifesto state “that we, as Black students, have the final say on the residence of Black freshmen and sophomores;”
Outside of Burling Library and Forum with Barbara L. Critton '75. Critton was a member of CBS and attended Grinnell College during the takeover.
Two unidentified students smile during registration.The Black Manifesto’s stated that “We demand that this administration establish a Black community with no less that 200 representatives taken from all walks of life of Black people, and that the responsibility of for the establishment of this community be co-shared by the present black community.”
Students studying and eating in the dining hall on South Campus. The fifth demand of the Black Manifesto stated that “because we feel that the SAGA food service does not serve the types of food that are necessary to the survival of Black people, we want the right to decide whether or not we will take any of the board options”
An oral history interview with Swansey, Patricia. Swansey is a member of the class of 1974 and discusses things like CBS activities and the Burling Library Takeover

1975
Photo of Burling Library interior.
Milton "Butch" Rolland, class of 1975, left, and Barbara Critton, class of 1975, right, during commencement.Both were members of CBS and attended Grinnell College during the ‘71 Burling Takeover
Photo of a student doing math homework in Burling Library.
New Student Days 1975: Auditorium. The Black Manifesto’s stated that “We demand that this administration establish a Black community with no less that 200 representatives taken from all walks of life of Black people, and that the responsibility of for the establishment of this community be co-shared by the present black community.”
Students sing during a Young, Gifted, and Black Gospel Choir performance. Bottom Row, Left to Right: Sybill Scott; Arlene Colvin; Shelly?; Richard Patterson?. Top Row Left to Right: Careda Rolland in the glasses; Ricky Stokes, Greg Lee?; Onishous Jones(OJ); Unknown; Dibbs.

1977
Photo of Burling library before renovation, featuring the 20th century room. The Twentieth Century room later became the home of the Black Library.
Photo of student studying in Burling '77-'78

1978
Photograph of the 1978 Black Martyrs' Weekend.
Photograph of Angela Davis speaking during the the 1978 Black Martyrs' Weekend
Black Martyrs' Weekend 1978 (April 22, 1978) - 3 Photos
Photograph of Angela Davis speaking during the the 1978 Black Martyrs' Weekend
Jon Williams '80 stands front of the Black Library for a Poetry reading during Black Martyrs weekend in 1978. Terri Tiddle '79 and Tony Whitaber '80 are in the background. The Black Library became a space for events that featured Black scholarship and excellence.
Jon Williams '80 and Julie Rogers '80 sit in front of the Black Library for a Poetry reading. The Black Library became a space for events that featured Black scholarship and excellence.

1981
View of the library with a student studying at a table
An oral history interview with Hubert Farbes. Farbes is a member of the class of 1969 and a former president of CBS.
An oral history interview with Frank E. Thomas. Thomas is a member of the class of 1971 and a founding member of CBS.
An oral history interview with Jon Gray. Gray is a member of the class of 1973.

1983
Negative containing photo of David Weston working at the circulation desk in Burling circa 1983.

1984
Photo of student studying in Burling basement
Photo of student studying in Burling basement with a book

1997
This is an essay chronicling the history of the black studies major at Grinnell College, with an emphasis on the reasons it had such a short career. It also provides an overview of the CBS Manifesto of 1971.
A timeline of facts related to Grinnell College history, including enrollment, tuition, and building information. Includes information on guest speakers on campus, student activism, and the Burling Library Take Over

2006
This photograph was taken in 2006 at an event commemorating the 1971 takeover of Burling Library by CBS (Concerned Black Students). Fifty-five students with candles, representing the fifty-five students who took over Burling in 1971, marched from the Black Culture Center (BCC) to Burling. Once at Burling, the group read the Black Manifesto, enjoyed the Young, Gifted, and Black Gospel Choir’s performance, held a poetry reading, and discussed the ways the Burling Takeover changed Grinnell.
Students commemorate the 1971 takeover of Burling Library. December 5, 2006.
The Young, Black and Gifted Choir performs at the 2006 commemoration of the Burling Library Take Over. In 2006, CBS held an event commemorating the 1971 takeover of Burling Library. Fifty-five students with candles, representing the fifty-five students who took over Burling in 1971, marched from the Black Culture Center (BCC) to Burling. Once at Burling, the group read the Black Manifesto, enjoyed the Young, Gifted, and Black Gospel Choir’s performance, held a poetry reading, and discussed the ways the Burling Takeover changed Grinnell.

2010
Presentation about the history of the Black Library by Grinnell College Librarians
The Life of a Library Text: Grinnell College's Black Library - Takeover Dance 1
The Life of a Library Text: Grinnell College's Black Library - Takeover Dance 2