On April 19, 1969, Cornell students made history when they occupied Willard Straight Hall after a year long struggle for a more inclusive and diverse University. 33 hours later their courageous stance led to the establishment of the Africana Studies and Research Center-- an internationally acclaimed institution that has been a leader in the field of Africana Studies ever since.

42 years later, the struggle continues...

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Statement of Solidarity with the Sojourner Tubman Collective

SAC adds its voice of enthusiastic support to the recently released statement from the Sojourner Tubman Collective, entitled "Women at Cornell in Defense of Ourselves."  The statement speaks volumes to the hostile conditions at Cornell University that have compelled these women to break the silence about the continued denigration of Black women on Cornell’s campus.

The piece outlines the racist and sexual harassment that Black women have historically faced at Cornell.  It reminds us that in 1969, the burning cross placed in front of Wari House, the Black women’s cooperative, was one of the most egregious publicly-recorded assaults on Black women at Cornell, and one of the most vicious hate crimes in the University’s history.  This crime against Black women was the precipitating event leading up the Willard Straight Takeover, making the defense of Black women a fundamental part of the foundation of Africana Studies at Cornell.

Moreover, the statement links the institutional attack on Africana, which has gotten a lot of press lately, to a heightened attack on Black women at Cornell:


We can only deduce from this choice that the new directors of Africana Studies, the first directors in the Center's history to have been selected without a vote or serious input from Africana faculty, reward the sexual harassment of Black women with a decision-making position.  Is this the beginning of a new phase of Africana leadership in which it is permissible to refer to Black women as "Black bitches"?

We agree with these assertions and with their conclusion, in which they demand Professor Grant Farred be removed from his recent appointment as chair of the Africana faculty search committee.  Big ups to the women of the Sojourner Tubman Collective for such a powerful and [hopefully] transformative message.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Center of Controversy: Africana Studies and Research Center leadership tumult creating conflict

Big thanks to Ithaca Times staff writer Michael Baker for his coverage of the ongoing struggle to save the Africana Studies and Research Center!  And thanks to ASRC faculty to speaking out!


"Center of Controversy: Africana Studies and Research Center leadership tumult creating conflict"

Tompkins County Legislature Calls for Open Process for Africana Center Realignment By a vote of 13-2

Legislature Calls for Open Process for Africana Center Realignment By a vote of 13-2

The Legislature urged Cornell University Administrators to engage in an open, inclusive process in implementing plans to restructure the University’s Africana Studies and Research Center, as they change it from the cross-disciplinary, intercollegiate unit that it has been since its founding in 1969 to an administrative unit with the College of Arts and Sciences.  (Legislators Dooley Kiefer and Carol Chock dissented.)  Legislators in June had declined to support a different resolution concerning Africana, requesting that the restructuring be delayed.  The latest resolution,/approved tonight, asks that Cornell administrators consider all implications of its realignment and encourages the University to commit itself to an open process with the support of the majority of Center faculty in selecting permanent leadership, and it strongly recommends that Center faculty be included in the process of the restructure.  It was noted that members and supporters of Africana have asked for the Legislature’s support on this issue.  Legislator Nathan Shinagawa said this resolution, unanimous supported by the budget committee and the Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Committee is forward-looking, and several Legislators who voted against the prior resolution said they were prepared to support the latest action.  Both Legislators Chock and Kiefer said they could not support the resolution, since they do not believe the Legislature should be weighing in on the matter.  Legislator Kathy Luz Herrera called it a “historic moment,” maintaining activism always has been, and should continue to be a part of Africana, and the issue is important, not only for the community of color, but for the entire community. Contact:  Legislator Leslyn McBean-Clairborne, Chair, Tompkins County Workforce and Inclusion Committee, 277-5104

Ithaca City Council Votes 7-3 in Support of the Africana Center!

Read the full story here!