Malcolm X Festival: 2002-present
Despite these and other attempts to intimidate and undermine the department, important scholarly and community-based strides continued to be made. One such innovation was the creation of the Malcolm X festival in 2002, under the department leadership of Robert Chrisman. One of the co-founders of The Black Scholar journal and a faculty activist during the 1968 San Francisco State protest for a Black Studies department, Chrisman was well versed in the struggles of Black Studies.
You can check out some of the Malcolm X fliers and planning documents from years past here: Program planning, proposals, and correspondence and UNO Poster Collection.
The creation of the Malcolm X Festival has led to a wide range of scholarly discussion and output from Black intellectuals on the significance of Malcolm X and his influence on Black Nationalism, civil rights, issues of Black masculinity and leadership, Pan-Africanism, and internationalism. The Festival, celebrating its 20th year in 2022, continues to be a touchstone for campus-community engagement.
The department of Black Studies continued to grow and make its presence known on campus through its scholarship, events, guest lecturers, and programs within the community. From its inception, Black Studies has led or co-sponsored events that brought dynamic speakers to campus, from Alex Haley to Maki Mandela, from Kwame Ture (formerly Stokely Carmichael) to Ibram X. Kendi. While its history has been fraught with internal and external problems, it has survived and continues to thrive.
Under the current leadership of Dr. Cynthia Robinson, the department connects current students with alumni, outside scholars, and Omaha community leaders. Black Studies remains a pivotal supporter and participant in Juneteenth celebrations, Native Omaha Days, and a place for students to find belonging through Kwanzaa celebrations, the Donning of the Kente ceremonies, and student organizations like UNO Black Excellence.
