On this day in 1866, Fisk University was founded

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In this May 5, 2014 photo, Krishaun Branch, left, moves the tassel on his mortarboard to the left side after graduating from Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn. Branch comes from Englewood, the often dangerous South Side neighborhood that's home to the first Urban Prep. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
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Fisk University, initially known as Fisk Free Colored School, was founded on January 9, 1866. In Nashville, Tennessee, the institution emerged during the post-Civil War era, dedicated to providing education for newly freed African Americans.

The school’s mission extended far beyond conventional education; it became a sanctuary for intellectual growth, fostering an environment where students flourished amidst adversity.

In this May 5, 2014 photo, students and faculty join hands during the the singing of the Fisk University alma mater during their graduation ceremony at The Temple Church in Nashville, Tenn. Krishaun Branch an Urban Prep class of 2010 graduate received his degree in psychology from the university. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Notably, in 1871, the renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers embarked on a groundbreaking tour, showcasing the power of spirituals and raising funds critical to sustaining the university.

Fisk’s legacy continues to thrive, representing resilience, academic achievement, and cultural significance in the landscape of American higher education.


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