Elnora D. Daniel (Finding Aid)

Elnora D. Daniel

1941 -

Favorite Color: Dark Pink

Favorite Food: Vichyssoise Soup

Favorite Time of Year: Spring

Favorite Vacation Spot: Cruises

Interview Length: 118 minutes

Interview Date(s): May 21, 2003

Interview Location(s): The HistoryMakers, Chicago, Illinois, Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

Elnora Daniel states that she was born in 1941 in the small town of Oxford, North Carolina. She and her family lived in a section of town known as Belltown, possibly named for her family. Daniel asserts that the degradation of black people led to inadequate records of their lives; for this reason, she cannot trace her lineage very far. Daniel describes the importance of extended family in her childhood; she remembers her protective grandmother and the aunt and uncle with whom she lived for much of her young life. Daniel explains that her mother was a butcher, an unusual profession for a woman, and she remembers her father, a mechanic, as a strong and resourceful man. Daniel describes rural life in her aunt's and uncle's home. The family had its own business. Daniel remembers vivid details of the chores associated with rural life. Daniel describes her childhood environs as segregated, though she didn't recognize the extent until she was of school age. A close friend, a little white girl, and Daniel were sent t Elnora Daniel discusses her positive early educational experience. She describes that her aunt and guardian valued education and encouraged Daniel to focus her energies on her schoolwork. Daniel describes a particular affinity for her French language studies. She remembers her authoritarian uncle and guardian who was committed to the church and disallowed Daniel from 'taking company' with boys in high school. Daniel explains that while she really wanted to be a doctor, a lack of accomplished role models discouraged her from that path; instead, she pursued a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Daniel discusses her college options and her final decision to attend North Carolina A & T University. She discusses the climate of the college in 1959 and the civil rights figures who emerged from the university, including Reverend Jesse Jackson. Daniel describes the planning of the influential Civil Rights sit-in movement in which she and her fellow college students took part. She expresses pride in having been involved i Elnora Daniel describes that following her graduation from North Carolina A&T University, she took a nursing position at a hospital in New York, New York. After several months she decided to attend Columbia University in pursuit of a graduate degree. Daniel describes that while New York was initially a cold place, she began to embrace what the city had to offer. Upon acquiring a master's degree in education, Daniel decided to pursue a doctoral degree in the same field. Daniel goes on to discuss her thirty-one year history as a Hampton University faculty member. The greatest challenge she faced in her tenure, she describes, was improving the public image of the institution. Daniel faced a similar challenge in her employment at Chicago State University. She gives a brief history of the institution of which she became president, from its days as Cook County Normal School to its present culture. She praises the university's acclaimed writers program and its related conference. Finally, she discusses the universit Elnora Daniel defends Chicago State University's decision to bring a controversial African political figure to the school for a lecture. She asserts that it is important to encourage discourse with respect to students. The scheduled lecture was one instance of Daniel's international approach to managing a university. In her tenure, Daniel initiated an office of international studies and encouraged partnerships with universities around the world. Daniel considers the differences between students during her college days and the students she manages today. She cites materialism and violence as two troubling trends among young people. Daniel calls for greater collaboration and support among black people in the future. Daniel discusses her stint in the United States military and encourages young people to consider the financial benefits of such pursuits. She goes on to envision a retirement plan with an emphasis on relaxation. Daniel would like to be remembered as a caring and nurturing person who brought signific Elnora Daniel presents nine photographs that chronicle her family life, travels, and professional achievements.

48 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)