Describe the origin of one of the first departments of African-American Studies.

In your essay, consider the following questions:

1. In 1857, Frederick Douglass poignantly notes, “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” In your own words, articulate the demands and the methods used to convey those demands that led to the establishment of Black/Africana Studies as a formal academic field of study at the university.

2. In what ways were the events that led to the establishment of the departments similar or different? What are the common factors and/or circumstances that lead to the establishment of Africana studies on these campuses?

3. Why was establishing Black/Africana Studies seen as essential?

4. How does the movement of Black/Africana Studies fit within the context of the thrusts of student movement that Karenga outlines?
Required Reading

Chapter 1 of Introduction to Black Studies (Karenga)

Article on the Black Studies movement at the University of Pittsburgh.

Article on the Black Studies movement at the University of Minnesota.

Primary documents on the origin of the African-American Studies Department at GSU.

Last Completed Projects