"The present UNI curriculum is raping black students' minds!" - Dwight Bachman

The bold steps toward integrating materials into existing courses showing the contributions of blacks to American history and culture was taking place even before the formation of the COURIMGE.  Some instructors began choosing their textbooks on the basis of whether the authors included such material.

Students were also very involved in attempting to change the culture of the university.  The Afro-American  Society members recommended 21 new courses for the general education program.  Some of the proposed courses included: Afro-American anthropology, Black Prose and Poetry, Ghetto Language, and American Government from a Black Perspective.  Most of the suggestions did not materialize but the university did add new courses in 1970: The Black in American History, American Negro Culture, Ethnic Music in the United States, and the North American Indian.

Not everyone felt the university was progressing as quickly as it should be.  Several student of the Afro-American Society, specifically Dwight Bachman, who was also a  member of COURIMGE, frequently criticized the committee and the University. He felt that the committee was "off base" in its attempt to "civilize the niggers".  Suggesting the program at UNI was endeavoring to "make black Americans like white Americans."  In 1969, Bachman recommended a degree program in Afro-American Studies to be initiated by the spring or fall of 1970.  Bachman supported his reasoning for his resolution because he felt "this resolution calls for stimulating experiences, not white racist lectures."  He added further that "not only is the curriculum in a horrifying state, but UNI has many sad, sorry professors who have too much power over black students."

Bachman's recommendation was taken under consideration. The COURIMGE subcommittee found that most of the black leaders of national prominence strongly opposed such a major.  The leaders argued it wouldn't prepare a person for a career, would ignore areas of scholarship, and would isolate blacks from the knowledge they needed to become significant leaders.  It was those reasons that the University decided not to initiate such a program.

Next: The Afro-American Cultural Center

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