Western Illinois University: Macomb Campus

Created in 1970, WIU’s African American Studies Department was developed during a period of racial strife in America in general and Macomb in particular. This period corresponded with the first significant presence of Blacks on campus. In response to student demands for a black curriculum, several white instructors devised the first courses examining the black intellectual experience. English professor Norman Anderson headed this effort in 1969-1970. The African American Studies Program, then called the Negro Studies Program, came into existence at WIU in 1970, with Mr. Charles J. Evans as its first Director from 1970 to 1971. WIU's African American Studies Department has remained a leader in the production of well-rounded graduates ready to contribute in shaping our global world. Today, our strong and multidisciplinary faculty provide outstanding teaching, research, student mentoring, community outreach and public service. The department creates a rich scholarly environment promoting Western Illinois University's values of "academic excellence, opportunity, social responsibility and personal growth.”

Please join us as we commemorate our first 40 years at WIU.

Visit http://www.wiu.edu/aas for event details.

6:00                  Monday, April 4, 2011                  Morgan 109                   Dr. Jo-Ann Morgan

African Americans in Film         screening “The Glass Shield”                       Discussion follows

6:00                  Tuesday, April 5, 2011                  Morgan 109                   Dr. Laurian Bowles

AAS Liaisons lecture series         “ A frica & Her Diaspora: Civil Rights & Pan-Africanism ”  

  6:00                  Wednesday, April 6, 2011           Morgan 109                    Dr. Safoura Boukari

Race & Gender                 screening “Taafe-Fanga (the Skirt Power)”           Discussion follows 

7:00                  Thursday, April 7, 2011                  Morgan 109                 Dr. Alphonso Simpson, Jr.  

Gospel Choir Music                  “An Exhibition/Rehearsal” with Lecture         assisted by U.V.O.W.I.S.

6:00                  Friday, April 8, 2011                  Morgan 109                      Dr. Sharon Hunter

Social Problems of Black America                  screening “Precious”             Discussion follows

tba                  Saturday, April 9                  “Giving Back”                           Faculty Service Project

Additional events highlighting faculty/students of the Department of African American Studies

7:00                Monday, April 11                     Morgan 101B                    Dr. Alphonso Simpson, Jr.

             WIU’s Inaugural “Last Lecture” sponsored by the College of Arts & Sciences’ Student Council

          “Maximizing your Potential on the Footstool of No”

7:00                  Wednesday, April 13                  Morgan 101A                           Dr. Audrey Watkins

             Lecture: Education in Jamaica and Bermuda

Save the Date          Saturday, April 30         location/time to be announced 

“AAS is Major: Fun Day for AAS Majors, Minors, Faculty & friends

  & Food Drive – non-perishable food collection for local food pantry

6:00                 Friday, May 6          The Crossing    1600 W Jackson St

Spring Concert - United Voices of Western Inspirational Singers , a traditional gospel choir sponsored by African American Studies

For information or accommodation to participate, contact African American Studies at 309/298-1181 or email aas@wiu.edu