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Early morning start at Charles P. Adam’s bust

Grambling State University President Frank G. Pogue and Grambling Mayor Edward R. Jones signed an official proclamation recognizing university founder Charles P. Adams at a bust of Adams adjacent to Lee Hall. 

 “After 112 years, the opportunity to pause and show respect to our founder is extremely important,” said Pogue, dressed in his signature black and gold suit as the proclamation was signed at 7:44 a.m. This is Founder’s Week at the university, and the president said it is a time to recognize Adams and to celebrate the university’s history, mission and heritage.

 “Charles P. Adams created the ground floor for education and for blacks,” Jones said to a group of about 15 university administration, faculty, staff and students.

On November 1, 1901 the doors opened to the Colored Industrial and Agricultural School, known today as Grambling State University. 

Adams was sent by Tuskegee Institute’s Booker T. Washington to assist in organizing the industrial school, then he became the founding president.

“He was a genius,” said Pogue, who’s beginning his fifth year as president. Adams was president for 35 years.

 “As student leaders, celebrating the beginning of our institution is extremely important,” said Ambra Brice, 21, Miss Grambling State University. 

The university’s Founder’s Week activities continue Tuesday with an 11 a.m. convocation with former acting president Neari Warner in the T.H. Harris Auditorium.