S3 E3: Walking on Sacred Ground

As the inaugural university archivist at Morgan State University, Dr. Ida Jones has a unique window into Maryland’s largest HBCU. Morgan’s history is deeply entwined with the history of Black politics, activism, and media, particularly in Baltimore. In this episode, Ida provides a glimpse into the treasures housed in Morgan’s library (including the archives of the Afro-American newspaper) and the stories they contain; she also discusses the way Black female archivists changed cataloging, the necessity of mentorship, and why she’s committed to replacing herself by five.

Link to transcript

Sources and References (in order of appearance)

Behind the Mic

Sharon Burney

Sharon M. Burney

Show Host

Sharon M. Burney is a program officer with CLIR, where she supports the Recordings at Risk and Digitizing Hidden Special Collections grant programs. Sharon specializes in academic, cultural heritage, community, and institutional support systems, navigating administrative policy adherence with an interpersonal connection that promotes community building. Prior to joining CLIR, she spent 15 years providing program support to the University of Florida African American Studies Program, helping it to become a premiere degree program. She is also a widely respected poet and community organizer. She loves to embrace the infinite historical contributions of the African diaspora, and blends them with contemporary civil rights, activism, and social issues in her poetry. Her passion for public service, education, and humanity is exemplified in every aspect of her life, and when in rest mode you can find her enjoying the simple moments with her daughters and pets.

Ida E. Jones

Ida E. Jones

Guest

Dr. Ida Jones is a noted professional archivist and historian, award-winning author, educator, and recognized leader in the field of African American women’s history. Since 2016, she has served as the inaugural university archivist at Morgan State University. In this capacity, she oversees the university’s organizational records (archival repository), along with the institution’s holdings of rare books and manuscript collections. She is expanding the digital and resource materials available for Morgan’s holdings through an active website, community outreach, and quarterly open-house gatherings in the Beulah M. Davis Special Collections Room at Morgan State.

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