Warhawk Almanac: Happy Anniversary Black Student Union!

53 years ago, Wisconsin State University Whitewater (now UW-Whitewater) opened its first culturally relevant center for Black students on campus. In January of 1969, the Society of Afro-American Students presented a list of grievances to University President William Carter, among them was the request for a Black student union.[1] President Carter worked to meet this demand, saying that a Black cultural center would be able to support students in a new way.[2] On February 18^th  the University Board of Regents unanimously voted to allow campuses to create “Black social and cultural centers.”[3] When the time came to bring a Black student union to Whitewater the idea still faced opposition. The University Center Board, composed of all white members, voted unanimously to block the creation of a Black student union in the University Center.[4] In response to the University Center Board’s decision, president Carter vetoed the board’s resolution and many faculty members planned to boycott the University Center.[5] The Center for Black Students officially opened on March third in the Moraine lounge of the University Center.[6]

            Today the Black Student Union continues to provide a safe space for Black students on campus by coordinating activities to strengthen cultural awareness, assisting African American students, and raising awareness on issues that concern the African American community.[7] Though they focus on issues pertinent to the African American community, the Black Student Union as an organization welcomes all people to participate in their mission.

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[1] “Black Students Present Grievances to Carter,” Royal Purple (Whitewater WI), January 30, 1969.

[2] “Carter Tells Students to Stay Calm, Be Rational,” Royal Purple (Whitewater WI), February 11, 1969.

[3] “Action by Board of Regent’s Allows Black Center Establishment in Unions,” Royal Purple (Whitewater WI), February 20, 1969.

[4] “University Center Board Rejects Black Lounge in UC,” Royal Purple (Whitewater WI), February 27, 1969.

[5] “Carter Establishes Center” and “Faculty Plan UC Boycott,” Royal Purple (Whitewater WI), February 27, 1969.

[6] “Moraine Lounge Chosen for Black Center Site,” Royal Purple (Whitewater WI), March 6, 1969.

[7] Black Student Union Constitution, 2021. 2.