In response to student demands, the African American Studies Program was established during the late 1960s. The program offers courses that focus on the history and culture of African Americans and the contributions that people of African descent have made to American and world civilizations.
Over the past thirty years the African American Studies Program has added new courses, received additional and continuous funding, stimulated increased student interest, and expanded its associated cultural activities and community presence. Recruitment and retention of African American students has also been an important goal of the African American Studies Program. Enrollment now stands at over 1,600 students.
The organization outlined its goals for the nineties as: (1) creating a new generation of leaders who challenge stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination and belief systems that hinder the intellectual emancipation and personal growth of all members of society, (2) promoting a mutual understanding between various ethnic and cultural groups of the university, and (3) developing an awareness of the richness of the African American experience and the contributions of African Americans to society.
African American Studies Program Handout, Box 2, folder 1.
From the guide to the African American Studies Records 2001-005., 1971, 1990-2001, (Special Collections, University of Houston Libraries)
