| Straight University Graduating Class, 1909 |
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| Straight University, 1900 |
| Straight University was established in 1868 and, after 1915, it became Straight College. It was a historically black college and its campus was on Canal Street, between Tonti and Rocheblave Streets. Straight offered courses in music, law and theology. In 1886, Straight discontinued its law department and began to focus on liberal arts, industrial arts and teacher training. The law department is notable because black and white students studied together, which was very unusual for the time. Several graduates of Straight University played important roles in the African-American community in the early 20th century. Dr. James W. Ames founded the first black hospital in Detroit, MI. Dunbar Hospital was established for patients and physicians of color, who were unable to be admitted or to practice at Detroit hospitals run by whites. In 1934, Straight College merged with New Orleans University to form Dillard University. |