Rutherford donates Black history books to Lyon College library

Featured image, left, from left: Dr. Branndii Peterson, Lyon College Black Student Association (BSA) adviser, BSA member Alexis Whitley, BSA President Cliff Washington, and Tamija Tucker-Mayes, BSA adviser, review new Black History Collection selections in the Lyon College Mabee-Simpson Library. Featured image, right: James L. “Skip” Rutherford III

James L. “Skip” Rutherford III, a Batesville native and dean emeritus of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, has donated a selection of Black history books to the Mabee-Simpson Library at Lyon College in recognition of Black History Month.

This marks the third consecutive year Rutherford has contributed to the collection, which now includes 54 volumes focused on Black history and culture.

The 20 new titles added this year highlight the lives of influential African American leaders and broader cultural and historical contributions. Among the additions are “Stayed On Freedom: The Long History of Black Power through One Family’s Journey” by Dan Berger, “Medgar and Myrlie” by Joy Reid, “Black Women Taught Us” by Jenn M. Jackson, and “Night Flyer: Harriet Tubman and the Faith Dreams of a Free People” by Tiya Miles.

“Black history has been underrepresented for years. Continuing to expand the Black History Collection at the Lyon College library provides more access and resources for students, faculty and staff,” Rutherford said. “These books tell important stories of struggle, perseverance and triumph, and I hope they inspire readers to reflect on the past while striving for a more just future.”

Rutherford, who served as dean of the Clinton School of Public Service from 2006 to 2021, has supported education and public service initiatives throughout his career. He has also served as a visiting professor at Lyon College.

Dr. Branndii Peterson, executive director of TRIO and adviser to the Black Student Association at Lyon College, said the collection’s expansion reflects the school’s progress in promoting diversity and inclusion.

“This acquisition is symbolic of the broader progress our school has made over the years,” Peterson said. “From its early days, where books on diversity were limited, to now, where our library’s shelves feature an increasingly wide range of voices and perspectives, the school has come a long way. The decision by board member Rutherford to acquire these amazing books aligns with the school’s ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.”

For this year’s selections, Rutherford worked with Lyon College Digital Media Librarian Fable Sonia-Bolduc to curate a mix of historical and contemporary works addressing racial justice and Black cultural contributions.

To recognize Rutherford’s contributions, the Mabee-Simpson Library will showcase a special exhibit featuring the expanded Black History Collection throughout February. The exhibit, open to the public, will coincide with Lyon College’s Black History Month celebration, which includes weekly events for students, faculty, staff, and the community.

For more information, visit the Mabee-Simpson Library online at https://libguides.lyon.edu/home.

Images: Lyon College