Alumnus gives taste of history

Former Nittany Lion Fullback Charles Blockson used to spend his time blocking his opponents. Now he spends a great amount of his time helping block ignorance.

Blockson, who graduated from the University in 1956 has amassed one of the nation's largest private collections of black history literature, which can be found at Temple University.

His collection contains more than 150,000 books, pamphlets, manuscripts, prints, drawings, sheet music, posters and artifacts. He lectures in both foreign and domestic schools, colleges and universities, and has traveled extensively in Europe, the Caribbean and Africa. He has also organized exhibitions and black studies programs throughout the United States.

Blockson's expertise brought him to the University to speak about the Underground Railroad, which he learned about through his grandfather when he was just 10 years old.

"I thought it was a choo-choo train, but underground," he said.

The terminology from the Underground Railroad came from the actual railroad, Blockson explained. There were passengers (the slaves), conductors (the black organizers), stockholders (white people who donated money) and other roles. In addition, Blockson related the tales of some of the most prominent figures in the Underground Railroad, such as Harriet Tubman and John Brown.

The slaves/riders of the Underground Railroad also used special songs, words and symbols to coordinate their escapes, Blockson said. In this manner, those involved could communicate with each other without others knowing, he explained.

Although years have passed since the days of the Underground Railroad, Blockson said the Underground Railroad and its participants must not be forgotten.

"They walked underground so that we today can walk above ground," he said.

William Asbury, vice president for student affairs, said he appreciated Blockson's presentation.

"His lectures are excellent," Asbury said. "He's very knowledgeable. He confirms things that you already know, but does an excellent job of putting things in context, which broadens one's perspective of history."

It was this historical perspective approach that Blockson spoke about as he focused on the importance of reading. He took a strong interest in reading when he was in the fourth grade. When Blockson was playing football at the University and the team would travel, he would venture into the local bookstores while his teammates were going to sorority parties, he said. Only afterward would he check out the party scene.

But Blockson also reminded everyone not to take everything they read for granted.

"The hand that holds the quill, pen or pencil controls history," Blockson said.