Straight University Straight University , after 1915 Straight College , was a historically black college that operated between 1868 and 1934 in New Orleans , Louisiana . It was founded by the American Missionary Association . Campus . The campus faced Canal Street , New Orleans , occupying the block between Tonti and Rocheblave Streets backed by Gasquet ( now Cleveland Avenue ) . After the university was absorbed into the nearly created Dillard University , the campus buildings served as a school and YWCA until demolished in 1950 . History . Responding to the post - Civil War need to educate newly freed African Americans in New Orleans , Louisiana and the surrounding region , the American Missionary Association of the Congregational Church founded Straight University on June 12 , 1868 . Straight University received its name as recognition for Seymour Straight ' s initial endowment gift . Straight was a wealthy cheese manufacturer from Hudson , Ohio . In 1915 , the name " Straight University " was changed to Straight College which represented the scope of the school ' s work more accurately . Missionary work was a core concern , which extended from New Orleans to Africa . Throughout its history , Straight offered courses of study ranging from elementary - to college - level courses in music , and theology . In 1934 , after experiencing financial difficulties , Straight College was merged with New Orleans University to form Dillard University . Law department . Straight University also offered professional training , including a law department from 1874 to 1886 , and its graduates participated in local and national Reconstruction and post - Reconstruction era civil rights struggles . For example , 1876 Straight University Law School graduate , Louis André Martinet , published " The Crusader " - - a civil rights daily , co - founded the Comité des Citoyens ( Citizens ' Committee ) , and played a significant role in the Plessy v . Ferguson landmark Supreme Court case . The Law department is historically notable because blacks and whites were trained side by side . " It is an interesting fact of our 50 law graduates , 35 have been white . " The school struggled to provide its law students a proper research library . The students typically met for classes in the law professors offices . In 1886 , Straight discontinued the Law Department and began to focus on the liberal arts , industrial arts , and teacher training . Notable Alumni . Graduates had an important role in bringing education and medical care to African - Americans during the early part of the 20th Century . Physician James W . Ames , for example , founded the first hospital for blacks in Detroit in 1910 . Dunbar Hospital was created for physicians and patients of color , unable to practise or be admitted to Detroit hospitals operated by whites . Straight ' s graduates participated in local and national Reconstruction and post - Reconstruction era civil rights struggles . For example , 1876 Straight University Law School graduate , Louis André Martinet , published " The Crusader " - - a civil rights daily , co - founded the Comité des Citoyens ( Citizens ' Committee ) , and played a significant role in the Plessy v . Ferguson landmark Supreme Court case . Among other notable alumni are P . B . S . Pinchback ( first African American governor of a U . S . state ) and Alice Dunbar Nelson , foremother of the Harlem Renaissance .