Dr. Darin Tuck, associate professor of history (center) and history students with trail maps housed in the MNU Archives.
MidAmerica Nazarene University announced it has been awarded a $10,000 grant from Humanities Kansas to support the study of the history of the Madam C.J. Walker School in Merriam, Kansas. The former elementary school played an influential role in the Webb v. School District No. 90 case in 1949. It set the stage for Brown v. Board of Education and the desegregation of American education. Dr. Addison Lucchi, MNU instructional and research librarian, serves as the project director, in collaboration with Dr. Darin Tuck, associate professor of history. Tony Adams, board member of Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church (former home of the Madam C.J. Walker School) is also involved as site project manager.
The project will expand the historical knowledge and understanding of Walker School meant to engage the scholarly community in further investigations into the community and stories surrounding the institution. Further, a panel discussion with three scholars will shed light on the social, political, and cultural dynamics that shaped the history of the Walker School, which was added to the Kansas Registry of Historic Places in 2024.
“Students will be a part of the research team for the project conducting archival research, oral history work and historical exhibition development,” says Lucchi. “They will also have the opportunity to participate in a grant-funded research trip, led by Dr. Tuck. The work the students contribute to will lead to a long-term historical exhibition on the Walker School, installed at the former site of the school. The City of Merriam and Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church are project partners.”
Lucchi believes the experience students gain will be helpful academically and for their future careers.
“Students will be able to contribute to a local history topic of significance, gain experience in archival and oral history research, and collaborate with the rest of the project team to plan several public humanities events, including a panel discussion and oral history workshop,” he says.
The project will also conduct oral histories with local community members to capture their experiences, perspectives, and stories, providing a deeper understanding of the community’s history and culture.
Over his tenure at MNU, Lucchi has applied for and received several Humanities Kansas grants on behalf of the university. All of these grants benefit not only the university but also scholars and community members alike.
“Humanities Kansas believes that stories carry our culture, and this is a striking example of this idea,” said Julie Mulvihill, Humanities Kansas Executive Director. “This project will invite Kansans to learn more about local heritage and the important role Kansas played in the history of school desegregation.”
About Humanities Kansas
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas. Since 1972, HK’s programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and invite new insights. Together with statewide partners and supporters, HK encourages Kansans to draw on diverse histories, literatures, and cultures to create connections with one another and strengthen Kansas communities and our democracy. Visit humanitieskansas.org.
