1965 - Should Black Studies Allow Whites In Classes?

This is a public speech recorded in 1966 at the University of Wisconsin where black students were demanding the university add black studies courses. Some activists said that white students should not be admitted to those courses. That is what the speaker is referring to in his speech. At this time, the issue was undecided.
Black Studies programs, also known as African American Studies programs, began to emerge at universities across the United States in the 1960s, as part of the Civil Rights Movement and the push for greater inclusivity and diversity in academia. At the University of Wisconsin, the Black Studies program was also established in 1966.
Black Studies programs were in their infancy during this time, and universities were just starting to offer courses and programs focused on the history, culture, and experiences of Black Americans.
The mid-1960s were marked by significant student activism, including demands for greater representation of Black voices and perspectives in the curriculum. Students, particularly African American students, were advocating for the inclusion of Black Studies courses and programs at universities.
Black student organizations and associations were forming on campuses, including at the University of Wisconsin, to push for the establishment of Black Studies programs and to address issues of racial discrimination and inequality within the university.
Universities were in the process of hiring faculty members with expertise in Black Studies to teach courses and develop curriculum. These faculty members played a crucial role in shaping the academic discipline.
Many Black Studies programs received support and encouragement from the local Black community and civil rights organizations. Community involvement was often instrumental in the establishment and growth of these programs.
The University of Wisconsin established four different programs and departments associated with Africa during the 1960s: the African Studies Program, the Comparative Tropical History Program (later African History Program), the Department of African Languages and Literature and the Afro-American Studies Department in 1970.
For much of American history, the contributions, experiences, and perspectives of Black Americans were marginalized, ignored, or excluded from mainstream academic curricula. Black Studies programs aimed to rectify this historical neglect by providing a platform for the study and recognition of Black history, culture, and achievements.
Universities sais that they value diversity of thought and perspectives. Black Studies programs brought a unique perspectives to the academic discourse and challenged conventional narratives.
The establishment of Black Studies programs aligned with state university principles of social justice and equity. These programs said that they would address historical and ongoing issues of racial discrimination, inequality and systemic racism.
Some universities felt that the presence of Black Studies programs could enhance student engagement and retention for Black students. It provided a sense of representation and belonging.
Black Studies began to intersect with other academic disciplines, including history, sociology, literature, and political science. This interdisciplinary approach encouraged critical thinking and a more holistic understanding of complex issues.
Black Studies programs also explored the African diaspora, connecting the experiences of Black Americans with those of people of African descent worldwide.

[@raeclancey]

isn't the point to educate everyone on the truth?

[@theletterm1787]

Yes

[@ian_ford]

The point is to indoctrinate everyone. For "historical truths" are just agreed upon principles recited and taught over and over. With nearly no input from people of color. Only those with societal power can shape historical dialog.

[@elliottmajka8492]

Word!

[@lcukei]

Not in America 🇺🇸 Whites Call it crt and they are all against it

[@Bellicosy]

This is but an excerpt of the entire speech. It would have been interesting to hear the full argument. The premise of "the white man has discluded us from making academic pursuits alongside him" has numerous different conclusions.

[@maylabrown4584]

It has just one conclusion. Which is "Yeah it's great that you gave us a chance to learn after many years, but now we don't want you to learn with us, cause we want to be the same as the people who didn't want us to learn with you" no other way to spin it.

[@maylabrown4584]

.

[@2bleavin]

Black studies about the Black American is a huge part of "American" history and is & should always be for all to study & know. It's not just a "Black thing it's a history thing bad & good. HOWEVER back in his day Black America was upset that white America excluded them & the truth in those stories so they formed Black union groups(BSU) in colleges to advocate to change that & many other civil right issues.

[@powell4661]

My white aunt used to teach Black Studies at Morehouse. My mom taught black studies as well at a small women's college that only had a few African Americans in the student body. This was from 1964 to 1974.

[@drewpall2598]

This is an interesting topic even in today's society but back in 1965 during the civil right movement I can only imagine what it must have been like. Thanks again for another informative description write up David Hoffman.

[@GreenTea3699]

Ouch. Knowledge should be shared with all who seek it

[@americanrider]

The next step after segregated classes will obviously have to be full-on segregation of schools. But didn't we rid ourselves of that in the 1960's?

[@jacobjames1171]

I took a woman's studies course in college. Should I have not been allowed?

[@Stan_sprinkle]

I don’t know. Did you actively oppress women for 200 years

[@gfys756]

​@@Stan_sprinkleDid you? The answer is most likely "yes".

[@beatlever89]

As a woman, i say that yes, you certainly should have been allowed. Im glad you took the class! It has been a couple decades but we had two-three guys in my hogh school women stidies class.

[@Stan_sprinkle]

Many comments on this video are so ignorant. Either they don’t realize it’s from ‘65, or even if they saw that, they seem to be unable to imagine that if you suddenly were granted your full rights as a citizen, you might want to have some spaces where you can discuss what you know to be black history without those who oppressed you looking down their nose at your version of things, gaslighting, etc. Sure, in a perfect world education should be open to all. But put yourself in their shoes at that time

[@posinker]

Whites gave em the rights, right? Surely some whites would listen rather than talk. Why would this black reject all the whites? Hate is my answer.

[@ian_ford]

We have to remember the mindset of some in 1965. Blsck Americans had *just* regained Civil Rights for the first time since 1877. The raw sentiments, from the near century-long period of de jure legal apparatuses designed to stymie social integration and economic equality, were justified. It was inevitable that some would prefer Blsck-only class structures for historical topics that previously excluded Blsck from their rightful contributions to American History; save for the few, select "token" orator Blscks (Booker T, Frederick Douglas, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, etc). And, most importantly, to know they're more than just a "Black American." To learn of who their ancestors were, no different than any Wht, Asian, Latino, or Native American who value their cultural ancestry. Blsck people then (and sadly still today) did not know who they were, except for what they were told by the American historical lore that excluded their story.

[@user-cp2eq1uq9g]

May I ask what is the reasoning behind your misspellings of Black and White in reference to racial classification? It seems so deliberate to the point that it strikes me to mean something more.

[@ian_ford]

@@user-cp2eq1uq9g KZbin will occasionally flag and remove comments and I’ve traced certain words. Unfortunately, that word is in their algorithm. It’s not always, but they will delete comments.

[@Stan_sprinkle]

@@ian_fordyes this is true. I just spend a good 2 mins writing a comment that got removed. Not sure what word I used but the algorithm didn’t like it

[@ian_ford]

@@Stan_sprinkle It can be completely PG and cordial as well. I’m sensing certain Blsck Historical topics get flagged. I’ve cited parenthetical citations…flagged. But I’ve seen personal, profanity-laced tirades get overlooked by the algorithm. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@MicahScottPnD]

​@@ian_fordThe algorithm job really seems like a difficult one, with heavy responsibility. I wouldn't want it. Especially knowing the kinds of terrible things you'd have to read through and be exposed to, it could damage your psyche.

[@JWF99]

I was always told "2 wrongs don't make a right" ☮✌

[@drewpall2598]

@JWF99... Jim I was told the same thing I guest not everyone got the memo? 😂😂

[@JWF99]

@@drewpall2598 Yep, you know it Drew!👍😃😅😂✌

[@Stan_sprinkle]

So pretend you were held hostage for years. Suddenly you’re free and you want to write a book about it. Do you want to write you book with your captor commenting with their twisted version of things ? I get what you’re saying in principle, but be real and understand that they’d just gained all their rights and probably didn’t want to answer to people who might not be willing to accept the truth of the black experience. Let’s be honest, just because they got their rights doesn’t mean every white uni student agreed with the policy change. Black folks didn’t want the nuisance of answer to them anymore

[@acaciajessamine]

Oh shut the hell up dude. How much would it even affect you to not be in his class.

[@acaciajessamine]

@@Stan_sprinklethis! 💯 🎯

[@honeyartstudios]

Welcoming them is one thing, but will they stay and stomach the ugly?

[@dave23024]

What ugly? Like when thousands of white men get drafted, and these lazy asses just sit on the corner drinking a 40?

[@MicahScottPnD]

I love the description. Especially two words i find key: representation and belonging. Don't those two things make just about anyone feel better? With those as guiding lights, it's almost impossible to make a wrong choice. ❤

[@user-hr3tx6uu9o]

I took a class about my state. The professor was black and he refused to answer any of my questions nor would he let me ( or other white college students,) make a statement. Looking back, it was reverse discrimination on his part. I really knew it then-- it was too obvious. And he was not a good teacher/ professor from the get go. On the other hand, I had two fabulous black female professors who were wonderful and made me reach for the stars. BTW he gave me a C-- when I did all the required work. That was my only C in 4 years of college!

[@papagarth]

An interesting aside: my mother told me my ( now former) friend's father organized a ( I think she said ) student union at ¿ San Francisco State ? Anyway, a college in San Francisco - back in the sixties He was not Black, but he was a professor; I got the impression this was before Black Studies was instituted

[@jlevan1996]

It was 1965...

[@MrJesseBell]

Not the way

[@bellesterbeatty3571]

Yes! History of American minorities.

[@papagarth]

I took Black Studies in the eighties; it was rumored the teacher would never give an " A" / 4,0 to a White student It may be true

[@XanderShiller]

Hi, I'm trying to make a film in NYC and wanted to ask if you're from there by any chance?

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

I am from New York City. Queens. David Hoffman filmmaker

[@XanderShiller]

@@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker 😁 what are the odds.. I'm Brooklyn/coney Island, nice to meet you. I uploaded a short on my YT page, titled "The Pedestrian" (there might be 2, but it's the longer 40 second version). I'm an actor, among other things but acting has been a passion since childhood. I have several years experience in background acting (law n order, disney, various pilots etc) and in casting. I felt like i really need to make something happen instead of waiting around for opportunities..What I really need is help with everything else, like the production side of things. Especially someone who can edit videos and hold a camera.. let me know what you think when you have a moment. Thanks in advance. (The other few shorts are more experimental satire..). The vibe I have in mind is similar to Taxi Driver. The Pedestrian version

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

There are many KZbin videos called the pedestrian. David Hoffman filmmaker

[@MicahScottPnD]

If you hang around David's channel, I think you're bound to run into the people you're looking for, no kidding. Each channel obviously attracts different groups of people, and I think you'll find some here who know the stuff you're talking about. ❤

[@XanderShiller]

@@MicahScottPnD thanks, it's possible

[@jerrybell1766]

Justice for All!!

[@tamiweber9409]

The USA is the land of opportunity for all, especially when it comes to education ❤

[@acaciajessamine]

Especially when you’re white lol

[@acaciajessamine]

But mostly white and male ;p

[@MarmaladeINFP]

If anything, all whites and non-whites should be in classes for black studies. And Native American studies, Asian-American studies, Arab-American studies, woman studies, etc. The only way to overcome ignorant bigotry is through education. And the only way to have a liberal democracy and a free society is with an educated citizenry.

[@rustynails68]

I don’t understand. Are they teaching secrets? Is this intentional segregation? I would like a more complete understanding. Is it an exclusive club type of thing? I think that a diverse class is best.

[@axcel9128]

It‘s so they can do some „we wuzzin“ ethno-narcissism without interruption

[@namesurname624]

I presume they're teaching lies and hate and don't want a second opinion from their "enemies".

[@jlevan1996]

It was 1965...

[@jusletursoulglobaby]

likely to learn without interruptions? If this was in 65 I'm sure the desire was to learn without the resistance that came with integration. There was a lot and the students were probably over it

[@daronmitchell3992]

White people wanted their own schools and curriculum. So did black people. Why deal with racism if you don’t have to?

[@cambo__]

Crazy times

[@creativealias85]

i can certainly see how having an all black space could help the people in that class have more productive and insightful conversations (basic example: if a given conversation is ""how has broader white society impacted the black population", perhaps having a white friend in class could cause certain black students to feel the need to hold back when their full, unfiltered thoughts might otherwise be more scathing). that said, i wouldn't imagine a flat ban on white students would be helpful in the end, both because of the horrendous optics it would create and also because it would cause well-meaning white students to end up ill equipped to help black people in their struggle. i'd imagine what might be an all around good solution would just be to strictly enforce good faith. if you show up with preconceived notions of what black studies are, just wanting to argue and shout at people because for once in your life there's a place where you're not treated like the star of the show, or because un-whitewashed history goes against your understanding of history and rather than learn you want to fight against that history being taught, then that should be an immediate academic withdrawal. such classes serve an important purpose, and should be no refuge for the kind of person that john brown wouldve shot. but any well meaning white students should certainly be allowed a spot in class, though i will say they should ensure that they've read up on the fundamentals so that the black students and faculty don't feel it necessary to delay their own discussions just to educate white students on the absolute basics (imagine you join a course on advanced physics and somebody who doesn't understand high school geometry joins and demands you cover geometry first so they're caught up. that would very reasonably be frustrating). it should also be noted that part of what he seems to be getting at in those lines at the end regarding "art for art's sake" indicates a fundamental difference in worldview. i could see apprehension arising in that regard, since even if a well meaning white person were to educate themselves, it's possible issues could arise with deeper misunderstandings that would be harder to identify in a normal conversation. still, i think ultimately it's just best to strictly enforce good faith.

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

Thank you for presenting your thoughts. David Hoffman filmmaker

[@MicahScottPnD]

You touch upon multiple key issues, here, very good topics. In fact, I believe those are the very considerations the administrations of schools discuss. In general, people don't seem to like to see "how the sausage is made", but the thought process you present above is pretty much it. ❤

[@cheri238]

🙏❤️🌍🌿🕊🎵🎶🎵

[@TTM9691]

It's a 1966 clip, so why is it labeled as 1965?

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

The clip is from 1965. David Hoffman filmmaker

[@antimonyparadox6996]

Education without a bases in truth is shit

[@deemari577]

Yes! Yes! Yes!

[@marionmarcetic7287]

As A White Chick From Detroit Michigan USA I Believe That It Shouldn't Make Any Difference At ALL PERIOD!!! The Point Is To Educate Everyone On Black Studies!!! Shalom And Amen!✝️✝️🛐🛐😇🌟🤗🙏🙏🙏🇨🇦🇮🇱♾️🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🗽🦅‼️

[@Stan_sprinkle]

You realize this is from 1965?

[@Bobbytabasco962]

I know this is an extremely sensitive subject in tha good 'ol U.S. of A, I will try my very best to not offend anyone...however.... Now imagine if you will, if only for a second that if it this were proposed tha other way around im sure everyone would be up-in-arms..... especially in today's world....omg...there would be rallying galore on both sides of the fence...all in all it would be a total shiza-show for sure.....

[@TC-bh3bi]

He sounds pretty racist himself!

[@deemari577]

Why don't u LISTEN to what he's saying and why he's saying it? That's your problem and those who think like u. Where did blacks become racist? Understand the meaning!

[@EmperorOfTheScrubs]

No wonder this country is so divided

[@honeyartstudios]

🙄

[@acaciajessamine]

@@honeyartstudiosthis

[@cleokey]

If you didn't live in the 60s, this may not make sense. The speaker undoubtedly has far more to say, but the ideas were enough to bring him harm. I was enrolled at UCLA in 1967, a long distance from Wisconsin for sure, but these were changing, confusing times for many. We had art class as an example, but not an art class featuring notable black artists, sculpture, paint, etc., specifically taught but a black professor ... It was more conventional Picasso, Rembrandt, Angelo, etc., taught by white professors. This changed a great deal between 1965 - 1970 with many special classes taking shape. The idea only black students could enroll in different classes never worked at our campus. Everyone enrolled in any class they wanted as long as they met basic criteria like taking them sequentially if necessary ... like math 1, 2, 3, etc. UCLA was pretty radical at the time, home of the SDS (Student for Democratic Society), National Guard, tear gas ... look it up. Today, the Supreme Court has done away with any race based admissions at schools ... but now the microscope is on sexual orientation in sports instead? I was there when women's sports programs were created. There were cheers all around ... now it's likely to erode away with biological males competing in swim, track & field and all the rest. Males are bigger, stronger, faster ... women are going to struggle coming in first ... the whole point of women's sports to begin with. At the end of the day, Americans should strive to be the best. Random thought from an old boomer 😎✌️

[@ian_ford]

My dad was in undergrad from '69-'73, then went to grad school and he shared similar stories.

[@jusletursoulglobaby]

my father is 72 and understands how dismissive it is to suggest trans women are eroding womens sports. There are greats articles, documentaries and books out there. there's no need for this mythical assertion trans women are better athletes than cis women. This is coming from a former collegiate athlete who had better times than several male athletes. Competitors compete. Any athlete who says otherwise is a sore loser.

[@marialaelyn1586]

Ew.

[@octaviusmorlock]

It took all of two years for certain activists to argue for the implementation of segregation? For basically a century, Black men and women simply wanted to be treated fairly, in 1964 they _finally_ achieved it. And two years later...

[@annalisavajda252]

Well I took American history in high school the text book of course had chapters on slavery and the civil war. I took a social studies class also had lessons about racism etc. I took an ancient civilizations class taught about Mesopotamia Egypt etc. schools can offer specialty classes ie: European or African history but segregation isn't a good idea make them selective credits instead of compulsory though and just look who signs up for the classes. You should not promote "myths" as factual history though. That's the problem with Bible and religious studies sometimes too.

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

To my knowledge there is no myth and what I have said or shown here. David Hoffman filmmaker

[@JackWebb713]

Ironic. As soon as they gained leverage many of them pushed for segregation.

[@maggiekelly6212]

i took black studies in the early 70s. they (some militant black professors) told black students they (black students) could not pronounce english properly because of their lips, giving rise to lower linguistic expectations for college educated blacks. at the same time, i had a class from a black (nigerian) professor who pronounced the queen's english perfectly. the american blacks were diminished by american BLACKS. liberalism strikes again

[@MicahScottPnD]

That's quite interesting. One thing I do is check if troubles are just plain human. Sometimes they're larger than any party or nation, they're just a human trouble. I think it's possible this is one of them. I'm not certain, though. Thanks for sharing.

[@joeyvocals1]

NO ! Who actually cares now? This is more than 30 years b 4 I was born! We have enough dichotomy between people in this country!

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

You may not care, but many who see my videos care to see the history of our country and of individual experiences so that they can look at changes (or not) and understand them better. David Hoffman filmmaker

[@JWF99]

1.08 million of us seem to care!😁👍

[@bobbya768ra]

Next thing you know there'll be a college fund strictly for blacks, or a Miss black America or something. Nah, that would never happen because you can't have an all white Miss America

[@ian_ford]

They didn't need to say "Miss White America," because it was already implied that anything virtuous in America was seen as being White anyway. It's why my grandparents, born in the 1920s, always said when politicians addressed the public by saying, _"My fellow Americans,"_ they said, _"They're talking to White folk, not us."_ The de jure and de facto social and legal apparatuses around those time backed their assertions. Miss American prohibited Blsck participation in Miss America for decades until 1970.

[@bobbya768ra]

@ian_ford point is, how many times has a white woman won the miss black America pageant? There would never be a beauty pageant today that allowed whites only

[@bobbya768ra]

@@ian_ford I was referring to the present day. You missed my sarcasm

[@ian_ford]

@@bobbya768ra Nice deflection. You suck at sarcasm.

[@MicahScottPnD]

​@@bobbya768raI'm not sure, I think Ian got it but then discusses the points that follow after acknowledging sarcasm. I could be wrong, that's just how I read it.

[@jwallguitar]

What a disgusting question

[@pibly7784]

How so?

[@OnTheEDge2011]

What is "black studies"??? Ahahajahahha😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@Stan_sprinkle]

Move somewhere where you and people who look like you have no rights for 200 years and are segregated. You’ll figure out you have your own, separate history that you’d want to document and not have those who oppressed you dictate how it gets documented and studied. It’s like laughing at studying Jews’ version of things under Nazis

[@gfys756]

​@@Stan_sprinkleAnd now blsk people want segregation again. 😂