In a time where there are race-related protests, scrutiny of culturally sanctioned racism and a resurgence in cries for black equality, the observance of Juneteenth (June 19) in America is getting a wider audience than ever before. Multiple companies, including Nike and Target, have announced that they will either honor or recognize Friday, June 19 as a paid holiday for their employees this year, as a sign of support for the Black community. In Texas, Juneteenth has been a state holiday sin...
Black Studies News
SIUE Black Faculty and Staff Association Draws Attention to Juneteenth
19 June 2020, 8:37 AM
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SIUE Black Faculty and Staff Association Announces Spring Scholarship Winners
17 March 2020, 1:28 PM
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA) recently awarded scholarships to four students for the spring 2020 semester.
A $750 scholarship was each awarded to freshman Jarae Tipton, and juniors Alishiana Ivy, Marcus Key and William Hughes.
“We raised money for the scholarships during our first BFSA Scholarship Gala, which was held Spring 2019,” said BFSA President Lakesha Butler, PharmD, clinical professor in the School of P...
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SIUE’s Black Heritage Month Closes with Soulful Sounds of Anita Jackson
28 February 2020, 5:24 PM
St. Louis-based Jazz artist Anita Jackson masterfully performed some favorite songs by noted artists on Friday, Feb. 28 during the closing ceremony of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Black Heritage Month program. Intertwined through Jackson’s melodic offerings such as Etta James’ “At Last,” Nina Simone’s “Four Women” and Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” were the performances of the SIUE Black Theatre Workshop...
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SIUE’s Lewis Examines Being Black in the Classroom
28 February 2020, 5:20 PM
Negative preconceived ideas, feelings of isolation and virtually no exposure to black scholars are struggles that black students face in college classrooms at predominantly white institutions (PWIs), according to Timothy Lewis, PhD, assistant professor in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Political Science.
Lewis, who specializes in identity politics, facilitated the Inclusive Conversation, “Being Black in the Classroom,” which was held Friday, ...
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SIUE Holds Panel Discussion on Police and the African American Community
24 February 2020, 10:56 AM
From the pages of history to today’s headlines, the relationship between the African American community and the police has been an antagonistic one, according to Timothy Lewis, PhD, assistant professor in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Political Science. Lewis, who specializes in identity politics, coordinated and moderated “Black and Blue: A Panel Discussion on Relational Policing in the African American Community.” The discussion, held Wednes...
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The Pettys – Longtime Activists, Educators – Bring their Stories to SIUE
12 February 2020, 4:36 PM
Eighty-four-year-old Reginald Petty is known for his expertise, passion and longevity in the areas of civil rights, community activism and historical preservation. His wife, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Alumni Hall of Fame inductee and celebrated fabric artist Edna Patterson-Petty, is widely recognized for her art and art therapy, which she uses to compliment her husband’s work, add to civil discourse and uplift, stimulate and empower. The East St. Louis duo was featured ...
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SIUE’s Kathryn Bentley Directs “XTIGONE,” a Story of Urban Violence
12 February 2020, 4:01 PM
Violence and death. They are as old as humankind is, but through the ages, the narratives and means have changed. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Dance and Theater Associate Professor Kathryn Bentley will direct “XTIGONE,” a play about urban violence, written by award-winning playwright and actress Nambi Kelley, and performed by SIUE students. This highly electrifying adaptation of “ANTIGONE,” a tragedy by Sophocles written in or before 441 BC...
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SIUE’s Black Heritage Month Gives Slaves a Voice
12 February 2020, 9:12 AM
Voices from the past were resurrected to give testimony to the reality, angst and cruelty of human beings in chattel enslavement in the U.S. at “A Reading of Slave Narratives” during Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Black Heritage Month. SIUE’s Black Theatre Workshop and the Black Studies Program presented the dramatic reading on Monday, Feb. 10 at the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI). Bryan Jack, PhD, associate professor in the Department...
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SIUE Black Faculty and Staff Association Hosts the State of the Black Union
10 February 2020, 3:24 PM
The conditions for blacks on campus are improving and yet in some areas stagnant, according to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA) President Lakesha Butler, PharmD. Butler, clinical professor in the School of Pharmacy’s Department of Pharmacy Practice, was one of several individuals on program during the SIUE State of the Black Union, hosted by the BFSA, on Thursday, Feb. 6 in the Morris University Center. The inaugural State of the Bla...
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SIUE Student Diversity Highlighted in Receptions
4 September 2019, 10:34 AM
It was a time for connections and commonality among students of the same ethnic background, sexual orientation/identification and military experience. It was also a time for them to be greeted by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville chancellor, administrators, faculty and staff, and to experience first-hand how the University is a welcoming, fun and safe place for all students.
“Do you all know how beautiful you look from up here,” asked Kathryn Bentley, co-chair with Tar...
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