African Americans Take Action

Student Unrest Leads To Takeover

The University of Minnesota still had a small population of African American students, roughly 50 or 60 students according to student John Wright.² The students of STRAP, an organization for African American students, expressed their frustrations with the University by taking part in a silent-in on campus.² These efforts were not rewarded and it was not until 1967-1968 when STRAP reformed into the Afro-American Action Committee that students had a clear goal for change. With new leaders Rose Mary Freeman, Horace Huntley and John Wright, the AAAC looked poised to make changes.²

The spark that ignited the flame was the murder of Martian Luther King Jr. on April 4th 1968. The AAAC created a list of seven demands to be given to President Malcolm Moos. In summery³

1. Establish at least 200 full scholarships for black Minnesota high school students
2. Full consideration of proposal to eliminate tuition for underprivileged black high school students
3. Establish guidance counselors and recruitment agencies geared towards needs of black students
4. Create a board to review polices of Athletic Department towards black athletes
5. Serious consideration of naming new West Bank library after Martian Luther King Jr.
6. Representation of black students on all major university policy determining groups
7. Reform education at university to reflect the contributions of black people

It was now January 1969 yet nothing had been done by Moos to meet these demands. Members of the AAAC visited Moos office with three demands that needed to be met by 1 p.m. the next day. Moos met with 70 AAAC members that next day to discuss the demands. The students were not happy with the Moos and decided occupy the Morrill Hall building.For the first time ever African Americans were at the forefront of the University.

Outcomes of Morrill Hall Takeover

The Morrill Hall takeover marks a dramatic turn in the University history. African American students really put their collective foot down and demanded change for the injustices of the University. Morrill Hall had several important outcomes. ^2 4

• Established the Department of Afro-American and African Studies
• Three African American students were arrested for their part in Morrill Hall takeover (later acquitted of charges)
• Creation of Black Student Cultural Center
• The Martin Luther King Program, which provides academic advice for students who appreciate multiculturalism

White Students Show Support

Many white students supported the Morrill Hall takeover. These students gathered around Morrill Hall trying to rally support for the demands of the African American students. ¹

After the Morrill Hall takeover the Minneapolis Star and Tribune Company surveyed 439 students on the campus. It is reasonable to assume many of these students were white because of the vast majority of the school population was white.

Results of the Survey ⁵

• 77% approved of the Afro-American studies program
• 76% approved the A.A.A.C representation among scholarship fund's administrators
• 62% approved of money raised for black conference

Not only did students say they agreed with the takeover, they also showed it. Roughly 300 students spontaneously marched to the courthouse in support of the three African American students who had been arrested.⁶ These students were eventually acquitted of their charges.