13 March, 1969

The Daily Report, a local newspaper for Ontario and Upland, reported on the Claremont Colleges’ and the Black Student Union joint announcement of the formation of an intercollegiate committee that would work to found a Black Studies Center. The committee was expected to submit a detailed plan for the center by March 31, 1969, so that it could be implemented by fall semester of the same year.

Despite a tense campus atmosphere following demonstrations, the Claremont colleges moved forward with the Black Studies Center in March. The Black Student Union was successful in creating tangible change on the campuses. Specific gains include the admission of more students of color, the hiring of more Black faculty members, and the addition of Black Studies courses to the offerings. The 1969 Black Studies Center continues in 2018 as the Intercollegiate Department of Africana Studies and the Office of Black Student Affairs.

Despite a tense campus atmosphere following demonstrations, the Claremont colleges moved forward with the Black Studies Center in March. The intercollegiate committee was expected to submit a detailed plan for the center by March 31, 1969, so that it could be implemented by fall semester of the same year. The Black Student Union was successful in creating tangible change on the campuses. Specific gains include the admission of more students of color, the hiring of more Black faculty members, and the addition of Black Studies courses to the offerings.