black-students-for-freedom-proposal-for-afro-american-studies-program-19691

Proposal for an Afro-American Studies Program

  • Submitted by: An Ad Hoc Committee of the Black Students for Freedom and Members of the Black Academic Community at the University of Virginia

  • Location: Charlottesville, Virginia

  • Date: March 1969

Table of Contents

  1. Purposes, Concept and Areas of Primary Emphasis - Page 1

  2. Recommendations - Page 3

  3. Budget - Page 9

  4. Survey of University Facilities - Page 10

  5. Proposed Introductory Course on Afro-American Studies - Page 11

  6. Program of Research - Page 12

I. Purposes, Concept and Areas of Primary Emphasis

  • American academic treatment has primarily focused on European heritage, neglecting significant contributions of Afro-American culture.

  • In Southern universities, the omission has been influenced by racial discrimination and professional incompetence.

  • Key omissions include the impact of non-dominant cultures, particularly that of Afro-Americans.

  • Correcting this gap is vital for a true understanding of an heterogeneous society and the black community's contributions.

  • A deeper examination of the black experience can enhance understanding of all non-dominant groups and society as a whole.

II. Recommendations

  • Focus: Study of people of African descent in the U.S. with historical context from Africa, excluding contemporary Africa.

  • Five Areas of Emphasis:

  1. History:

    • African history before colonialism.

    • History of Africans and their descendants in the U.S.

  2. Sociology:

    • Social patterns of Afro-American life: family, religion, stratification, urbanization, race, prejudice.

  3. Economics:

    • Labor force participation, Afro-American business, social welfare issues, etc.

  4. Politics:

    • Civil rights, protest movements, minority participation in political systems.

  5. The Arts:

    • Contributions to literature, music, theater, dance, sculpture, painting.

  • Initiatives for Program Launch:

  1. Establish an Institute for Research in Afro-American Studies

  2. Introduce an undergraduate course titled "An Introduction to Afro-American Studies"

  3. Create a graduate program in Afro-American Studies

  4. Allow undergraduates in other disciplines to follow a program in Afro-American Studies.

III. Budget

  • A detailed budget proposal supporting the program operations, indicating approximate costs.

  • Proposes funding through normal faculty appointments and external funding for additional staff.

IV. Survey of University Facilities

  • Assess existing courses and propose new offerings relevant to Afro-American studies in various departments:

  • Art: Afro-American and African Art, Research Problems in African Art

  • Economics: Economics of the Ghetto

  • English: Major Afro-American Writers, Afro-American Literature of the 20th Century

  • Government and Foreign Affairs: Urban Politics, The Politics of Exploitation

  • History: History of Afro-American Society, History of Slavery in the U.S.

  • Music: History and Styles of Afro-American Music

  • Psychology: Psychology of Racism

V. Proposed Introductory Course on Afro-American Studies

  • Course Title: "An Introduction to Afro-American Studies"

  • Description: Interdisciplinary survey covering Afro-American life from African origins to present-day issues.

  • Major Topics Include:

  • Historical Basis of Afro-American Life

  • The Impact of Slavery

  • Freedom Movements

  • Statistical Profile of Afro-American Life

  • Afro-American Literature and Arts

  • Contemporary Strategies of Liberation

  • Structure: Two lectures per week, one preceptorial session, ideally taught by an Afro-American.

VI. Program of Research

  • Proposed investigations to include:

  1. Comparative study of slavery globally and specifically in the American South.

  2. Race relations and class distinctions, including white minority efforts historically.

  3. History of free black individuals before the Civil War.

  4. Analysis of Reconstruction and its impacts on Afro-Americans.

  5. Examination of black institutions like churches and schools, and their community influence.

Conclusion

  • Emphasizes the necessity for a committed program addressing Afro-American studies, integrating three academic levels (undergraduate, graduate, and research) to ensure a comprehensive understanding of Afro-American culture.