African-American Institute, n.d., 1980-1982

This series documents the administration and operation of the Department of African American Studies from its inception in 1973 through the early 2000s. Records include correspondence and memoranda, meeting minutes, newspaper clippings, event fliers, budget and financial reports, departmental operating procedures, and brochures.

The African-American Institute and African American Studies Department (1973-1982) subseries documents the early years of the Department when it worked closely with the African-American Institute, sharing space and certain staff. The African-American Institute files document the library and physical plant of the Institute, award ceremonies, special events, and includes a small amount of correspondence and memoranda. Also included are records of the proposals to create the Department in 1973 and to institutionalize Project Ujima in 1974. The files labeled "Northeastern University" reflect the Department's involvement with the wider University community, including the Northeastern University Admissions Policy Committee, Honors Committee, Faculty Organization, and the Northeastern University Press. Of special interest is material documenting Northeastern's involvement with the desegregation of the Boston Public Schools in the early 1970s and the Department's own work with pilot programs such as the Urban Schools Collaborative.

The Department of African American Studies (1979-1990s) subseries documents the later years of the Department including its collaboration with groups outside the University, such as the National Council of Black Studies and the American Association of University Professors. Also included are records of the Department's ongoing involvement with University bodies. The records reflect the Department's work to bring cultural events, such as the Ernest Withers photography exhibit, to campus for the benefit of the University community. The Department also began to sponsor regular seminars, such as the Stormy Monday colloquia and the Frantz Fanon forums, on current topics in the field of African American studies.