Dr. Lily Small, professor emeritus of Africana Studies Program, passed away on March 10 in Fresno. She was 88 years old.

Small earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in English at Fresno State. She then earned her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction at University of Pacific, Stockton.

Described as “The Mother of Ethnic Studies,” Small served the campus community for many years until her retirement in 2003. She was a trailblazer, teaching about the Black experience in America during a time when it was only acceptable for anthropologists, sociologists or historians.

"Small created the academic foundation for the Africana Studies Program to give students the opportunity to study Black history, Black literature and the field of Black Studies as a major," said Dr. Meta Schettler, chair of Africana Studies.

She started her career at Fresno State in 1977 and became department chair in 1990. One of her proudest departmental accomplishments was gaining approval of the major in African American Studies in 1998.

"Besides her great love for God and her family, she was zealous about education. She encouraged everyone to seek to empower themselves and improve their lives by furthering their education and not settling for the bare minimum," said Daunette Dryden, Small's niece. Dryden retired from the Provost's Office in 2022.

Small taught students the reality of being poor, Black, and uneducated in America in her courses. She informed students about the hatefulness of racism and the cost of racism to America's soul. She was passionate about her students and provided herself as a friend, confidant and surrogate parent to countless number of students during her tenure.

The viewing is 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 29 at Jesse E. Cooley Jr. Funeral Service. The funeral is 10 a.m. Thursday, March 30 with a repast at Life Cathedral Church of God.

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Small, visit Jesse E. Cooley Jr. Funeral Service's Sympathy Store. There will also be a livestream on YouTube through Life Cathedral Church of God.

Visit Africana Studies Program for more information about Small.