Biondi+-+The+Strike+at+San+Francisco+State

Chapter 2: A Revolution Is Beginning

The Strike at San Francisco State

• Context:

  • In November 1968, the Black Student Union (BSU) at San Francisco State College initiated a student strike.

  • The strike lasted for five months, impacting the Bay Area profoundly and leading to nearly 800 arrests.

  • It drew attention from local and national media, putting public figures like Governor Ronald Reagan, the Black Panther Party, and university administration in conflict.

• Demands for Change:

  • The BSU sought reforms that would redefine higher education, including:

    • Admission of all Black high school graduates.

    • Establishment of an independent department of Black studies.

  • The rise in Black activism was influenced by the civil rights movement.

• Student Demographics:

  • In 1968, there were roughly 900 Black students out of 18,000 total at SFSC, averaging an age of 25.

  • Understanding this demographic is crucial for grasping the strike's significance.

• Support and Preparation:

  • Organizing efforts were fueled by previous involvement in the Black freedom struggle and influenced by Black nationalism.

  • Key figures like Jimmy Garrett, George Murray, and Jerry Varnado shaped the movement through their activism and education.

Key Figures in the Movement

• Jimmy Garrett:

  • A seasoned organizer and pivotal in forming a politically conscious Black student body at State. He was influenced by previous community actions and emphasized the need for Black-centered education.

  • Critiqued white involvement in Black movements advocating instead for self-determination.

• George Murray:

  • Became politically active as a teenager and emerged as a leader during the strike.

  • Introduced ideologies of self-defense and empowerment for Black students in his speeches.

• Jerry Varnado:

  • As a BSU coordinator, he fostered support for the strike and participated in significant political education discussions.

• Ben Stewart:

  • Chairman of the BSU, perceived as an uncompromising militant, helped organize actions and confrontations around key strike issues.

Dynamics of the Strike

• A Broader Movement:

  • The BSU's efforts merged with other student groups of color, notably the Mexican American and Asian American students, leading to the formation of the Third World Liberation Front (TWLF).

  • This coalition emphasized unity among students of different races in confronting institutional racism.

• Actions Taken:

  • A pivotal action was the protest against campus media, where BSU members assaulted an editor who published offensive content.

  • The strike escalated to physical confrontations between students and police, leading to a major shift in tactics and public support.

Institutional Response

• University Administration:

  • Administrators grappled with the demands and the pace of change, which frustrated student activists.

  • New President S.I. Hayakawa adopted a hardline stance against the demonstrators, exacerbating tensions.

• Repression and Support:

  • Police aggression during the strike led to injury among students and increased community support for their cause. This included African American community leaders rallying behind students.

  • Interaction with external political entities showcased the necessary support from local faith leaders and community activists to sustain the strike.

Outcomes of the Strike

• Achieving Black Studies:

  • After extensive protests and negotiations, SF State established the first grassroots Black studies program at an American university, despite ongoing tensions.

  • Administrators were compelled to address racial inequities, leading to increased Black admissions.

• Broader Implications:

  • The strike symbolized a pivotal moment in the Black freedom struggle, unilaterally challenging mainstream educational policies.

  • It highlighted the need for educational institutions to represent diverse communities authentically.

• Reflections on Impact:

  • The legacy is mixed; while the establishment of a Black studies department was a victory, the internal struggles for control and the experiences of repression painted a complicated picture of success and sacrifice.

• Continued Struggle:

  • Key figures from the movement noted that the fight for equality in education remained ongoing, emphasized by shifts in political landscapes and educational policies post-strike.