Black Studies

Support Our Cause

Your Gift to Black Studies Matters!   

As we are facing a wave of change in our country and the world, the focus is on us as Black people—our stories, our histories and our cultural contributions. Financial commitment is necessary in order to not only continue but also to increase the opportunities for campus engagement of Black scholarly work at SIUE. Whether you are an alumnus, faculty, staff or community member, you understand how important it is for students to have opportunities to engage with Black faculty in events like: 

• The Black Student Welcome Reception, a new tradition that began in 2018.  Over 300 faculty, staff and students attended the event during its first two years, welcoming the Black students with African drums, a second line procession, food and opportunities for informal conversations with Black faculty, staff, alumni and community members.   
• The annual Sitting at the Feet of an Elder program, which has featured prominent members of our extended SIUE community such as Mrs. Johnetta Haley and Reginald and Edna Patterson-Petty. Students gathered at the feet of these elders and soaked up the wisdom from their stories.   
• The Black Studies Lecture Series, which offers an opportunity for the campus community to witness the brilliance of our Black faculty, such as Associate Professor of English Tisha Brooks, Associate Professor of History Anthony Cheeseboro and Associate Professor of History Bryan Jack.   
• The Bridging the Gap annual program, a discussion between African and African American students that brings those in attendance to a better understanding of our similar cultures. Black Studies minors facilitate a panel of their peers in dialogue around the similarities, differences, stereotypes and biases that remain present in our interactions as people of the diaspora.   

Please consider making a gift to the Black Studies program.  Now more than ever, your contribution to the Black Studies program matters.   

Thank you.

Black Studies Contribution 

Give Now

Please join the SIUE Black Alumni Association on Facebook.