Question

What role did external funding play in creating Black Studies academic units?

Answer 1

Black study is an interdisciplinary academic field that is primarily devoted to the study of the history, culture, and politics of black people from the United States. External funding has played a crusial role in the development of black studies academic units. In october 1968, members of Black student union in university of california potentially shut down the entire university against the racist environment and practices at the university. Students demanded the black studies department. Between 1968 to 1975, about 500 black studies academic units offering black studies courses and programs were in place across the country.

For the development of these units, funds were needed. Ford foundation significantly played its role in funding. It helped in development of autonomous departments of black studies. Ford invested about 10million dollars in support two dozen programs in elite institutions.