| Author(s) |
|
|---|---|
| Abstract |
This past summer I was able to immerse myself in research concerning some very captivating history at Kent State University and the prominent Black student movement. The presence of our Black student and faculty population in the late 60’s and early 70’s are responsible for many groundbreaking efforts to democratize the Kent State campus and curriculum. Black United Students was formed in the spring of 1968, shortly after the assisination of Dr. Martin Luther King. That fall Black United Students led a walkout of more than 250 students demanding a more representative student and administrative body, as well as a Black Studies program and a building on campus to truly call their own. They were successful in these efforts and this led to the implementation of what we now call the Department of Pan-African Studies and Oscar Ritchie Hall. I conducted my research under Dr. Gooden, Chairperson for the Department of Pan-African Studies. Together, ourselves and a group of research assistants decided that there was more than enough information to produce a documentary on the various stories and sub-communities within the Black student body of the late 60s and early 70s. Not only did we look at the way our students advocated for change in the curriculum and representation, but we examined the ways in which the Black students advocated for each other on a personal level. Most of the alumni we interviewed stayed in contact up until this day and have a plethora of stories to share on their time at Kent State. A sense of community belonging, and activism among Black students on this campus was essential to the development of Kent State University.
|
| Format | |
| Contributor(s) |
Faculty Mentor
Amoaba Gooden |
| Modified Abstract |
I conducted my research under Dr. Gooden, Chairperson for the Department of Pan-African Studies, focusing on the Black Student Movement here at Kent State University in the late 60s - early 70’s. Together, we decided that there was more than enough information to produce a documentary on the various stories and sub-communities of this time. Black United Students was formed in 1968. That fall, the organization led a walkout of more than 250 students demanding a more representative campus, as well as a Black Studies program and a building on campus. This led to the implementation of what we now call the Department of Pan-African Studies and Oscar Ritchie Hall. We also examined the ways in which the Black students advocated for each other on a personal level. Many alumni stayed in contact and have a plethora of stories to share on their time at Kent State. A sense of community belonging, and activism among Black students on this campus was essential to the development of Kent State University. |