Oakwood University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Oakwood University, a historically black Seventh-day Adventist university in Huntsville, Alabama, boasts a rich history and a legacy of producing notable alumni across various fields. From music and ministry to politics and academia, Oakwood graduates have made significant contributions to society. This article explores some of the university's most prominent alumni and their accomplishments.
Historical Context of Oakwood University
Oakwood University's origins are rooted in the post-Civil War era, driven by the need for higher education opportunities for newly freed African Americans in the South. Founded in 1896 by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the institution was initially named Oakwood Industrial School, reflecting the belief that industrial work was suitable for African Americans. Over time, the curriculum expanded, and the school evolved into Oakwood Junior College and eventually Oakwood University.
The university's history is also marked by student activism. In 1931, students protested against demanding work schedules, low wages, and racial segregation on campus. Their efforts led to the recruitment of more African American faculty members and the appointment of the first African American president, James L. Moran, in 1932.
Despite the SDA Church's conservative ideologies, Oakwood played a role in the Civil Rights Movement. Although the General Conference initially discouraged involvement, the university hosted Martin Luther King Jr. in 1962, inspiring some students to participate in nonviolent acts of resistance.
Prominent Alumni in Music
Oakwood University has a distinguished reputation for its music programs, and several alumni have achieved national and international recognition in the music industry:
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Claude McKnight
Claude McKnight is a tenor and founder of the renowned a cappella sextet "Take 6." The group has garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards for their unique blend of gospel, jazz, and R\&B. McKnight's talent and leadership have been instrumental in the group's success. He participated in the Festival of Praise Tour, which also featured Fred Hammond, Donnie McClurkin, James Fortune, and Pastor Charles Jenkins.
Brian McKnight
Brian McKnight is a multi-talented singer-songwriter, actor, record producer, radio personality, and multi-instrumentalist. Known for his strong head voice, high belting range, and melisma, McKnight has released numerous albums and collaborated with various artists throughout his career.
Wintley Phipps
Wintley Augustus Phipps, Sr. is an ordained Seventh-day Adventist minister and a singer with a booming bass-baritone voice. He is known for singing inspirational gospel music. He also founded the Dream Academy, Songs of Freedom Publishing Company, and Coral Records Recording Company.
Little Richard
Little Richard (deceased) was an American musician, singer, and songwriter. He has been described as the "Architect of Rock and Roll". Little Richard was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of its first group of inductees, in 1986.
Mark Kibble and Joey Kibble
Mark Kibble (’86) is an arranger and tenor in "Take 6", while Joey Kibble ('06) is also a tenor in the group. Their contributions to the ensemble have helped solidify its reputation as one of the leading a cappella groups in the world.
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The Aeolians
The Aeolians, Oakwood University's premier touring ensemble, was founded in 1946 by Dr. Eva B. Dykes. This choir, consisting of 45-60 members from various disciplines, serves as musical ambassadors for the university, performing nationally and internationally. The choir has performed at the White House for President Bill Clinton and at the Kennedy Center.
Alumni in Ministry and Religion
Oakwood University's strong religious foundation has produced numerous influential figures in ministry and religious leadership:
Barry Black
Barry Clayton Black is the 62nd chaplain of the United States Senate. He is the first African American and the first Seventh-day Adventist to hold the office. Black graduated from Oakwood University with a Bachelor of Arts in theology.
Delbert Baker
Delbert W. Baker is a Seventh-day Adventist minister, author, educator, and administrator. He formerly served as the tenth president of Oakwood University and as a vice president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Currently, he is the vice chancellor of the Adventist University of Africa. Baker also graduated from Oakwood University with a Bachelor of Arts in theology.
Leslie Pollard
Leslie N. Pollard is a Seventh-day Adventist minister, author, and administrator. Since 2011, he has been the president of Oakwood University.
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Makeba Claggett Garrison
Makeba Claggett Garrison, a 1995 graduate with a Master of Divinity, was recently voted as the first female elder at the Memphis First Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Stennett H. Brooks
Stennett H. Brooks (deceased) was a pastor and the former president of the Northeastern Conference of Seventh-Day Adventist Churches. Prior to becoming the president, Brooks served as treasurer for more than 20 years.
Alumni in Politics and Public Service
Oakwood University alumni have also made their mark in the political arena and public service:
John F. Street
John Franklin Street is an American politician and lawyer who served as the 97th Mayor of the City of Philadelphia. He was Philadelphia's second black mayor.
Erica Thomas
Erica Renee Thomas is an American politician and youth leader. Thomas was the Georgia State Representative of District 39 from 2015 to 2023. She is also the founder of Speak Out Loud, a local nonprofit dedicated to giving a voice to foster children.
Ron Oden
Ron Oden is an American politician. In November 2003, he was elected the first gay African-American mayor of Palm Springs, California.
Ronald Brise
Ronald A. Brisé is a Democratic politician from Florida. He served in the Florida House of Representatives representing the 108th district and as a commissioner for the Florida Public Service Commission. He is Haitian-American.
Alumni in Academia and Research
Oakwood University has also produced notable figures in academia and research:
David A. Cort
David A. Cort, a 1999 graduate, is a faculty member at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He is teaching or conducting research through the Fulbright Scholars program.
Other Notable Alumni
Eric Thomas
Eric D. Thomas is an American motivational speaker, author, consultant, and minister. Speeches by Thomas are popular on YouTube.
Davido
David Adedeji Adeleke OON, known professionally as Davido, is a Nigerian-American singer, songwriter and record producer.
Sylvia Rhue
Sylvia Rhue is an African-American writer, filmmaker, producer, and LGBT activist. She graduated from Oakwood University with bachelor's degrees in psychology and sociology.
Angela Brown
Angela M. Brown is an American dramatic soprano particularly admired for her portrayal of Verdi heroines.
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