DeKALB - Northern Illinois University’s Center for Black Studies is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The Center for Black Studies was established in 1971 as a hybrid academic and student services program.
The center conducts research on the experiences of people of African descent and offers a minor in Black Studies. It promotes the retention of Black students and sponsors lectures, workshops, conferences and other student-oriented activities. The center’s staff advise and assist student organizations, host campus visits and develop community service opportunities, including study abroad trips.
The Daily Chronicle caught up with Anne Marie Edwards, the center’s director, to learn more about its history and its goals for the next 50 years.