Documentary Humble Origins Heroic Legacy

Summary

The video script chronicles the story of South Mountain Community College’s establishment in South Phoenix during the late 1970s. Despite racial and political opposition, local community members, educators, and politicians fought for the creation of a college to serve a historically marginalized area. Through perseverance and support from figures like Governor Bruce Babbitt and Senator Alfredo Gutierrez, the college was founded in 1979. Overcoming challenges, the college became a symbol of hope and transformation, eventually growing into a hub for the community despite early doubts and setbacks.

Takeaways

• 😀 The message of service is emphasized, focusing on the idea that institutions should serve communities rather than the other way around.
• 😀 During the late 1970s, the environmental movement was growing, and hip-hop was emerging as a cultural force while political figures like Jimmy Carter and Bruce Babbitt shaped Arizona's landscape.
• 😀 South Phoenix was historically neglected, suffering from racism in housing and banking, and faced with challenges like poor infrastructure and frequent flooding from the Salt River.
• 😀 Despite facing economic hardships, South Phoenix's diverse community of Black, Asian, and Hispanic residents built strong local networks and mutual aid systems.
• 😀 South Phoenix was home to thriving Japanese American flower gardens, farming businesses, and the Herd Corporation, which provided jobs and contributed to the area's agricultural success.
• 😀 In the late 1970s, local leaders like Vernon McLean and Merle Morris proposed the idea of a new community college to help revitalize South Phoenix economically and socially.
• 😀 The establishment of a community college in South Phoenix faced resistance from both the Maricopa County Community College District and the Arizona State Board of Directors for Community Colleges, who doubted the area's demand for higher education.
• 😀 A strong community advocacy movement, supported by influential leaders like state senator Alfredo Gutierrez, eventually convinced policymakers to approve the college despite initial opposition.
• 😀 After a contentious political battle and with support from Governor Bruce Babbitt, the Maricopa Board agreed to build a new campus in South Phoenix in 1979, and South Mountain Community College was born.
• 😀 Dr. Raul Carthanus was appointed as the first president of the new college, overseeing its establishment, faculty recruitment, and curriculum development, all while navigating skepticism about its long-term viability.
• 😀 South Mountain Community College began in temporary facilities, such as trailers and local churches, before its permanent campus was built. Despite early challenges, the college became a community anchor and educational hub.
• 😀 The legacy of the college continued through successful faculty, like Jerome Garrison, who helped shape its culture and growth. However, the institution also faced significant internal challenges, including racial tensions and tragic incidents involving staff and students.

Q & A

What was the primary goal of the community effort to establish a college in South Phoenix?

The primary goal was to create a college that served the community of South Phoenix, empowering local residents through education and offering access to higher education, which was previously limited due to racial and economic barriers.

How did South Phoenix's history of segregation and economic hardship affect its development?

South Phoenix faced racist housing and banking restrictions throughout the 20th century, limiting residents' ability to buy or rent property north of the Salt River. This contributed to the area being underdeveloped and economically disadvantaged compared to other parts of Phoenix.

What challenges did South Phoenix face in terms of infrastructure in the 1970s?

In the 1970s, South Phoenix had poor infrastructure, with gravel streets, no hospital, and significant issues related to flooding from the Salt River. The area also had underdeveloped roads and limited access to services.

Why were local government agencies initially opposed to building a college in South Phoenix?

Local government agencies, influenced by racial stereotypes and misinformation, believed that residents in South Phoenix would not benefit from a college, assuming that there was no demand for higher education in the community.

How did influential figures like Alfredo Gutierrez and Governor Bruce Babbitt contribute to the success of the college proposal?

Alfredo Gutierrez, a state senator, used his political influence to rally support for the project, including contacting Governor Bruce Babbitt, who helped secure the approval of the state board by influencing key decisions, including the scheduling of meetings.

What role did the Maricopa Community College District play in the creation of South Mountain Community College?

The Maricopa Community College District, led by Dr. Paul Elsner and Dr. Alfredo G. de los Santos Jr., played a crucial role in pushing for the college in South Phoenix by advocating for the community and overcoming institutional resistance from the state board.

What was the significance of the naming process for the college, and why was 'South Mountain Community College' chosen?

The college was named South Mountain Community College in honor of the nearby South Mountain and its significance to the local community. Initially, the name 'Citrus College' was considered due to the area's history of citrus farming, but the decision was made to reflect the identity of the community and its natural surroundings.

How did the community react to the construction of the college and its eventual opening?

The community was excited and actively involved in the creation of the college. The groundbreaking ceremony in August 1979 was attended by many local residents, and by 1981, the college was fully operational, marking a significant milestone for the community.

What were some of the early challenges faced by faculty and staff at South Mountain Community College?

In its early years, South Mountain Community College lacked a physical campus, with classes being held in trailers and local churches. Faculty and staff had to deal with logistical challenges, such as teaching in temporary spaces with inadequate facilities, including no air conditioning.

What impact did South Mountain Community College have on the community and its residents?

South Mountain Community College became an anchor for the South Phoenix community, providing access to higher education and fostering a sense of belonging. It contributed to social and economic change, supporting the professional growth of local residents and offering a pathway to a better future.