Black Studies Center, 1971-1987 | Northern Illinois University

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Collection Overview

Title: Black Studies Center, 1971-1987

Predominant Dates:1971-1987

ID: RHC/UA/30/-1

Extent: 3.75 Linear Feet

Date Acquired: 05/11/1989

Scope and Contents of the Materials

The Black Studies Center records are a subgroup within the Academic Centers record group of the University Archives. The collection documents the history and activities of the Center from 1971-1987. The records are arranged alphabetically with the majority of the collection consisting of conference material, correspondence, student organizations, and faculty committees. Board of Regents reports and reviews; program management reports and reviews; and annual reports provide research material that pertain to the growth and development of the Center. Also contained in the collection are syllabi and student papers from the courses offered under the black studies minor program and articles written by Black Studies Center faculty members.

Collection Historical Note

In May 1968, the Black students on campus, inspired by the nationwide campaign for Black Studies, rallied before President Rhoten Smith and presented him with a list of seven grievances. The students declared the university a racist institution and demanded the establishment of a Black Studies program. As a result of this campaign the Center for Black Studies was created.

The Center for Black Studies, an academic and research Center, offers interdisciplinary concentrations of undergraduate courses relating to the black experience and interethnic/ intercultural relations. The Center collects and analyzes data on aspects of the fields of black studies and ethnic studies; and provides cultural programming with the aid of other academic offices on campus in the form of conferences, guest speakers, and commemora-tive events. Student organizations such as the Medical Opportunities Program (MOP), Black for Professional and Creative Communication (BPACC), and the Organization of Black Business Students (OBBS) represent major components of the Center.

Through its four components of the Black Studies minor, faculty research, cultural programming, and student organizations, the Center provides a supplemental knowledge base for students desiring careers in the public sector that emphasize interethnic/ intercultural relations, or careers in the private sector that include blacks and other minorities as their clientele.

Administrative Information

Repository: Northern Illinois University

Access Restrictions: There are no restrictions on access to the records.

Use Restrictions: Literary rights are dedicated to the public.

Acquisition Source: Van Amos, Program Coordinator

Acquisition Method: The University Archives acquired the Black Studies Center Records from Van Amos, Program Coordinator, on May 11, 1989.

Box and Folder Listing

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[Box 1],
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Box 4

Folder 1-18: Correspondence, 1978-1984

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