Black Studies or Ethnic Studies: The Importance of Approach

Like any other academic discipline, there were many approaches and lens through which Black Studies could be taught on UNO’s campus. This led to important and at times contentious conversations in early stages of establishing the Black Studies department in the early 1970s.

Many faculty and students recognized the need for a serious examination of the concept and realities of Black communities and Black history. However, the exact approach, specifically between Black Studies and Ethnic Studies, was debated by faculty and administrators.

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Johonson interview: Taylor, Fact finding: summary and exhibits numbers 8-13, pg 18, circa 1971

“To begin with, there is an ideological difference between what the administration purportedly thought they were bringing to campus as proposed to the ideological persuasion that we, as different Black instructors, hoped to bring to this institution. It would appear that the administration is more in favor of not only ethnic studies program, to begin with, but of studies that what would come from what we consider, and what has been written, the Negro persuasion, meaning that form of Black education which purports to show, perhaps, the Black man’s contribution to the American system…” [1]

This divide on campus was revealed in distinct ways. Many felt that the Black Studies approach allowed Black history to be taught in ways that targeted specific topics and needs, but in ways that invited broad student participation. This approach would allow Black Studies to have a level of freedom that was not inherent in other approaches to studying non-white history and culture. A Black Studies department would be on equal-footing and have the same respect as other academic disciplines. Some viewed the creation of a Black Studies department as a model for establishing other, newer departments.

Others felt that an Ethnic Studies approach was the best choice for UNO. Those who supported Ethnic Studies saw it way to include other disciplines such as Chicano Studies, Native Studies, Asian Studies, and others under one department. Ethnic Studies provided a “evolutionary approach” that was cautious and measure in how various disciplines were incorporated at UNO.[2]  

In the end, a faculty vote determined the creation of the Black Studies department. Dean Gaines offered his support after the vote, and met periodically with Orville Menard, the chairman of the Black Studies Advisory Committee, as the department was formed and curriculum determined.