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Photo caption: Present for the plaque unveiling were (left to right) Ed Spencer ’73; Danielle Wallace, professor of Africana-World Studies and chair, Department of Community and Social Justice Studies; Jeanne Arnold, chief diversity officer; Djanna Hill, associate dean, College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Wartyna Davis, dean, College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Barbara Morris-George ’72; Sharon Dozier ’72; Andres Cladera, director of development; Lauren Razzore Cedeno, associate dean, College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Joshua Powers, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs; and Jenna Villani, former executive director of alumni relations.
A plaque commemorating the May 1969 campus protests that led to the establishment of the Black Studies program on campus was dedicated during a ceremony in Raubinger Hall on September 14.
The event was part of a Black Alumni Celebration weekend designed to highlight the establishment of the University’s academic programs focused on the experiences and contributions of people of African descent. The programs were launched due to the advocacy of Black students on campus in the late 1960s, including several pivotal days of protests in May 1969 when members of the Black Students Union held sit-ins.
“It is my hope that the plaque we will unveil today will be a reminder to our current and future students that all of our voices matter,” said President Richard J. Helldobler. “It will tell our Pioneers the inspiring story of a time when students like them made their voices heard and, thanks to their courage and their power, helped to make William Paterson a better, more just, and more equitable institution for everyone who follows in their footsteps.”
In the fall of 1968, what was then Paterson State College welcomed about 50 Black students as part of the freshmen class who had been recruited from cities such as Paterson and Newark as part of an initiative to diversify the student body.
“Within a few short months, those students had chartered the Black Students Union and began organizing themselves around issues that were important to them,” explained Danielle Wallace, associate professor or Africana-World Studies and chair of the Department of Community and Social Justice Studies, which houses the University’s bachelor of arts degree and minor in Africana-World Studies. “They were a product of their time—a local manifestation of a national Black student movement set against the backdrop of civil rights and Black power.”
The students, like their peers on campuses across the country, began to demand change: including the formation of a Black Studies department, the admission of more Black students to the college, and the hiring of Black faculty to teach Black Studies courses. On May 6, 1969, members of the BSU held a 2.5-hour sit-in at President James Karge Olsen’s office in Morrison Hall demanding a meeting with the Board of Trustees. Two days later, 15 Black students commandeered Raubinger Hall on the evening of May 8, 1969.
After meetings with the Black Students Union, President Olsen and other administrators agreed to the immediate formation of a Black Studies program in fall 1969—the only program in University history that was developed due to student demand. Originally launched as a minor, that program grew into a bachelor of arts degree in Black Studies, and the formation of a Department of Black Studies.
“Over 50 years later, we stand here to honor the work of that group of Black PSC students, whose foresight and courage helped establish the Black Studies program—now Africana-World Studies—and whose legacy has influenced generations of students to speak truth to power,” said Wallace.
Among those on hand for the plaque unveiling were three alumni who were members of the freshman class in fall 1968 and founders of the Black Students Union—Barbara Morris-George ’72, Sharon Dozier ’72, and Ed Spencer ’73. They spoke about that historic time.
“We stand proudly before you, the only three of us remaining,” said Morris-George. “I learned what it means to be part of a community. I wouldn’t have made it without my friends, mentors, and beloved professors, Muruku Waiguchu, Vernon McClean, and Lesley Agard-Jones.”
Dozier, who was Morris-George’s roommate on campus, concurred, and encouraged today’s students to continue to advocate raise their voices. “The work is never done,” she said. “You can never stop.”
Spencer, who noted that his parents had been very involved in the civil rights movement, said, “I had to have a voice. That was important to me.” He continued, “Movements take sacrifice. We sacrificed ourselves for this, and we have to continue.”
"The creation of the Black Studies program holds a unique significance, as it is the only example I know of where a program's inception was directly fueled by the advocacy of students themselves," said Wartyna Davis, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences." Their determination serves as a powerful reminder of the impact and importance of student voices. This commemoration is a testament to the power of collective action and the legacy of those students."
The weekend began with a Black Studies 50th Anniversary Celebratory Reception on September 13 during which nearly 90 alumni, faculty, and staff gathered to reminisce. In addition, funds were raised for the Africana Studies Scholarship. On Saturday, following the plaque dedication, attendees participated in the University’s annual Communiversity Day tailgating and football game. Alumni, along with current and former faculty and students of the Africana World Studies program, were recognized by President Helldobler on the field during halftime.
Alumni, along with current and former faculty and students of the Africana World Studies program, are recognized by President Helldobler during the Pioneers football team home opener.
09/20/24
