Black
Power

comes to

Black student activists on Oregon campuses wanted more from their college experience. They demanded that racial discrimination be addressed and that colleges develop Black studies programs and hire Black faculty.

After protest and negotiation with the administration, students created a Black Student Union (BSU) in 1966. Here, students meet in 1974.

Image credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Oregon Archives

Dr. Edwin Coleman II joined the English faculty in 1971 as one of few Black professors on campus. He introduced Black literature to the UO and became an advocate for Black students and staff.

Image credit: University of Oregon Special Collections and Archives, University of Oregon Libraries 

Ray Eaglin disrupts the 1969 UO graduation ceremonies by commanding the microphone from UO President Johnson and “arresting” the crowd for Vietnam War crimes, national poverty, and racism.

Image credit: University of Oregon Special Collections and Archives, University of Oregon Libraries 

What was it like being a Black UO student in the 1960s?

Black Student Union Publication

Members and officers of the Black Student Union contributed news stories, prose, and poetry to various BSU publications.

“The Black Student Union … exists to help further the education of every nationality and race of students represented on this campus on matters concerning the experiences and culture of Black America… [T]he Union reminds Black students and others who have been historically oppressed and excluded that despite major setbacks, the struggle for human dignity must continue.” —BSU Brochure A 3989

Image credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Oregon Libraries
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Project 75 Brochure, 1968-69

“So many of our [Project 75] classmates went on to do great things and become leaders in their communities. That’s one of the endearing values of this program—we educated a cadre of African American leaders.” —Carla Gary speaking about Project 75, WNYC Interview, 2018

Image credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Oregon Libraries
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Afro Duck Decal

Created in the early 1970s, Lyllye Reynolds-Parker recalls Afro Duck as a sign of pride in the Black community. Today, some students feel the Afro Duck plays into the racist stereotype that all Black students are athletes.

Courtesy of Mark Cullen
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Black Student Union

Black Panthers

Student Demands

Athletics