The first Ph.D. program in black studies did not emerge until 1988, at Temple University, even though the field of black studies was born two decades earlier. After Temple established its Ph.D. program, which drew attention because of its director, Molefi Asanti, and because of its Afrocentric approach, the range of Ph.D. offerings expanded in the late 1990s at other institutions.

Philly native and Electric Factory Concerts co-founder Larry Magid will be awarded an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from his alma mater Temple University during its 125th Commencement Ceremony. He’s “surprised and humbled, but extremely honored. My career started 50 years ago this month as a student at Temple, booking bands for fraternity parties and many other things. It’s amazing to me that the things you learn in school you keep applying to your life. It never ends.”