Skip to main content
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Campus & Community
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • University Statements
  • Syracuse University Impact
  • |
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
Sections
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • University Statements
  • Syracuse University Impact
  • |
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Campus & Community

New Digital Exhibition Features Story of The Syracuse 8

Saturday, August 28, 2021, By Cristina Hatem
Share
exhibitionSyracuse University Libraries
three members of Syracuse 8

(from left) Greg Allen, A. Alif Muhammad and John Godbolt, circa 1969. Syracuse 8 Collection, University Archives. Gift of Greg Allen.

Syracuse University Libraries’ Special Collections Research Center recently released a new digital exhibition titled “A Courageous Stand: The Story of the Syracuse 8.” The Syracuse 8 was a group of Black student-athletes who boycotted the University football program until it addressed their allegations of racism in 1970. Miscounted by the media, the Syracuse 8, comprising Greg Allen, Richard Bulls, John Godbolt, Dana “D.J.” Harrell, John Lobon, Clarence “Bucky” McGill, A. Alif Muhammad, Duane Walker and Ron Womack, made their stand at a significant personal cost. However, they made their mark on Syracuse University history by serving as a voice for social justice. The digital exhibition is available online.

Curated by University Archivist Meg Mason, “A Courageous Stand: The Story of the Syracuse 8” includes photographs, correspondence, newspapers, student protest fliers and other documents from the Syracuse University Archives. Different perspectives and voices are included in this exhibition, including the members and allies of the Syracuse 8 , as well as Chancellor John Corbally and Coach Ben Schwartzwalder.

“Fifty-one years later, sharing the story of The Syracuse 8 through these primary source materials available from the University Archives in the Special Collection Research Center provides clarity and context on the struggle of students against racism,” says Petrina Jackson, director of the Special Collections Research Center. “Looking through archives is a way to not only reflect but to understand current circumstances.”

As part of this year’s Coming Back Together reunion of Black and Latino/a alumni at Syracuse University, organizers are planning a celebration of the 51st Anniversary of the Syracuse 8 with special guests.

  • Author

Cristina Hatem

  • Recent
  • How New Words Enter Our Language: A Linguistics Expert Explains
    Friday, July 25, 2025, By Jen Plummer
  • Impact Players: Sport Analytics Students Help Influence UFL Rules and Strategy
    Friday, July 25, 2025, By Matt Michael
  • Bringing History to Life: How Larry Swiader ’89, G’93 Blends Storytelling With Emerging Technology
    Friday, July 25, 2025, By News Staff
  • Mihm Recognized for Fostering ‘Excellence in Public Service for the Next Generation’
    Wednesday, July 23, 2025, By Jessica Youngman
  • Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Celebrating Recent High School Grads
    Monday, July 21, 2025, By News Staff

More In Campus & Community

Impact Players: Sport Analytics Students Help Influence UFL Rules and Strategy

When seven students from the Department of Sport Analytics in the David B. Falk College of Sport  started working for the United Football League (UFL) this past winter, league officials explained the kind of data they had available and asked…

Mihm Recognized for Fostering ‘Excellence in Public Service for the Next Generation’

Chris Mihm, adjunct professor of public administration and international affairs in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, has received the 2025 Arnold Steigman Excellence in Teaching Award from the New York State Academy for Public Administration (SAPA). The…

Rabbi Natan Levy Appointed Campus Rabbi for Syracuse Hillel and Jewish Chaplain at Hendricks Chapel

Syracuse Hillel has appointed Rabbi Natan Levy as campus rabbi. Levy, who most recently served as head of operations for the Faiths Forum for London and senior lecturer at Leo Baeck College in the United Kingdom, will also serve as…

Imam Amir Durić Appointed Assistant Dean for Religious and Spiritual Life at Hendricks Chapel

The University has appointed Imam Amir Durić as assistant dean for religious and spiritual life at Hendricks Chapel. Durić, who has served as Muslim chaplain at Hendricks Chapel since 2017, will provide visionary, inclusive and compassionate leadership to advance interfaith…

Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Celebrating Recent High School Grads

We asked faculty and staff to share photos of their favorite recent high school graduates. Congratulations to all, and good luck as you continue your journeys!

Subscribe to SU Today

If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.

Connect With Us

  • X
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
Social Media Directory

For the Media

Find an Expert Follow @SyracuseUNews
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • @SyracuseU
  • @SyracuseUNews
  • Social Media Directory
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Campus Status
  • Syracuse.edu
© 2025 Syracuse University News. All Rights Reserved.