"Basic Black" Stater Column

While the bulk of the Tolliver archive is image-based, it is important to note Tolliver's accomplishments as both a writer and photographer. In a 2015 KentWired.com interview with Jenna Kuczkowski, Tolliver noted that "...majoring in photojournalism made it possible [for him] to blend together [his] passion for the written word and photography." In fall 1968, he started a regular Kent Stater column he titled "Basic Black." In it he discussed living in a racist society, inter-racial sexual history, equity, culture, and a host of other topics. He did not mince words--taking issues on directly and never shying away from controversy or topics that some might deem "uncomfortable" realities. He consistently called into question white majority viewpoints and asserted Black Power. Several letters to the editor written in response to the column provide evidence, in part, of its influence and its ability to shake up the status quo. Included here is a small selection of that colum which is available in its entirety for online viewing via our Daily Kent Stater Digital Archive.

Click on each thumbnail image at left to view and read a full-size scan of the column.