Dr. Mary Umolu founds the Medgar Evers College Jazzy Jazz Festival in 1996.

In September 1995 MEC celebrates its 25th anniversary.

In July 1994, after years of struggle, MEC wins back its original 4-year senior college status.

June 6, 1992 Crown Street between Nostrand and Franklin Avenues is officially renamed Medgar Evers Lane.

The idea to rename Crown Street was the brainchild of a faculty member at the college which is located on the corner of Bedford Avenue and Crown Street/Medgar Evers Lane. The law to rename the street was introduced to the New York City Council by Councilwoman Mary Pinkett, approved by the Council June 20, 1991 by a unanimous vote and approved by Mayor David N. Dinkins on July 8, 1991 as Local Law 45.

On hand to witness the dedication of the new street was Mrs. Myrlie Evers, wife of the slain activist, Medgar Wiley Evers, Evers’ daughter Mrs. Rena Evers Everett and grandson, Daniel Medgar Evers Everett. Myrlie Evers, who had earlier in the day delivered the Commencement Address to the College’s 258 graduates, called the dedication for the new street “a source of pride for the entire Evers Family,” while Dr. Edison O. Jackson, president of Medgar Evers College hailed it as “a proud day in the history of the College.

Other special guests on hand to witness the historical event, which took place immediately following the college’s 21 Commencement Ceremony, included: Dr. Betty Shabazz (wife of slain human rights activist Malcolm X) who is also employed at Medgar Evers College; Mr John Flateau, chief-of-staff for Mayor Dinkins; City Council Member Una Clarke; Senator Marty Markowitz; Honorable Edward Griffith, 40th A.D.; Honorable James Connolly, District Leader, 42 A.D.; with the Honorable Councilwoman Mary Pinkett presiding.

Students, staff, faculty and alumni of Medgar Evers College cheered as the Department of Transportation Director of Community Affairs, Gerald Placide, unveiled the new street sign and presented a replica to Mrs. Evers and President Jackson.

“Street Renamed in Honor of Slain Civil Rights Activist.” Big Red News: July 17, 1992

In May 1992 a new governance plan was adopted.
Academic divisions within the college were restructured into 14 academic departments.
The Revised Governance Plan of Medgar Evers College (CUNY) was approved by the College Council on April 1, 1992; ratified by the College Constituencies on April 20, 1992; and approved by the Board of Trustees of The City University of New York on May 26, 1992 – Cal. No 6C

In September 1989 Dr. Edison. O. Jackson is named as President.

Immediately following the removal of President Trent, Dr. Dennis Paul, a faculty member at the college, was appointed Interim Administrator by CUNY while a search for a permanent president was implemented. He remained at the College from 1982-1984 when Jay Carrington Chunn II was selected as the second president of Medgar Evers College. Chunn’s tenure at the college was short lived. Within three years President Chunn was asked to resign and was replaced by Dr. Leo Corbie who became the Acting President until 1989.

FLORENCE TAGER & ZALA HIGHSMITH-TAYLOR. MEDGAR EVERS COLLEGE: THE PURSUIT OF A COMMUNITY’S DREAM. 2008. P. 102-1033

President Chunn resigned after the Faculty Organization expressed no confidence in him. Dr. Chunn’s resignation was announced by the CUNY Chancellor, Dr. Joseph S. Murphy. The trustees named Dr. Leo A. Corbie, the university’s Vice Chancellor for student affairs and special programs, as acting president of the college.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on March 16, 1984 to celebrate the beginning of construction for the Bedford building. It was dedicated on March 21, 1985 and opened in 1988.

Angered that President Trent had compromised the intent of the founders, many began to rethink the original struggle over who should be president of the College. (…) Medgar had become the only CUNY College to accept community college status while many of the other CUNY schools gained back their original status. In addition, while other CUNY units had quality day care facilities, the lack of day care facilities at Medgar Evers increased the anger of the largely older female student population.

These contradictions and concerns hovered over the College for the next five to six years. It was, therefore, not surprising that in April 1982 differences between President Trent and a popular Dean of Administration erupted into a full-scale uprising. Students were consistently angry at the President and his administration. They had numerous complaints ranging from their perceived mistreatment in administrative offices to their concern over the lack of Black Studies at the College. Fueled by this anger, students took over the President’s office and drew up a list of demands that were later submitted to the Board. These demands included: the removal of President Trent; the renewal of senior college status; the creation of Black Studies and Women Studies and an Honors program; funds for an expanded library; the creation of a Women’s Center; and the development of day care to help the 75% female population. (…)

The student takeover, which was supported by some faculty, staff, and community members led to the establishment of the Student, Faculty, Community Coalition to Save Medgar Evers College. “The Coalition” (…) made it clear that they wanted a president who understood the mission of the College and insisted that they were willing to continue the struggle begun eighteen years ago. (…)

The lawyers took the case before the Brooklyn Supreme Court, and the Coalition gained a historic victory that granted them the right to remain peacefully in the President’s office. (…) The protest and the take-over of the President’s office lasted 110 days, and besides the successful removal of the president, the Coalition subsequently gained the victory of establishing a day care center in what had been his plush office.

Florence Tager & Zala Highsmith-Taylor. Medgar Evers College: The Pursuit of a Community’s Dream. 2008. P. 98-101.

MEC celebrates 10 years of community service.