title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR 50th COMMEMORATION OF THE BURSAR’S OFFICE TAKEOVER AND THEIR CELEBRATION OF THE COMMUNITY THAT SUPPORTED THEM
WHEREAS, the Northwestern University Black Alumni Association’s mission is to enhance the life experience of African American alumni, current students and the greater community by providing programs, networking, leadership and public service opportunities. For decades, the NUBAA has been a dedicated voice at Northwestern University that reflects the members' views on issues that affect African American students, faculty, programs and alumni; and
WHEREAS, on May 3 and 4th, the Northwestern University Black Alumni Association’s commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the Bursar’s Office Takeover; an important and pivotal moment in the University’s history and the community’s history; and
WHEREAS, on April 22, 1968, members of Black student organizations, For Members Only (FMO) and Afro-American Student Union (AASU), presented a list of demands to the Northwestern University administration in response to discriminatory campus policies and practices and to heighten the awareness of Black student’s experiences of racial insensitivity on campus. When the demands were not met, on May 3, 1968, approximately 120 African American students occupied the Bursar’s Office, Northwestern University’s business office. After a thirty-eight hour demonstration, Black students and the Northwestern University administration came to a resolution of developing advisory boards around the admissions process, recruitment of Black students to the University, review of financial aid packages, and open housing in Evanston, to offer equitable housing options and counseling, and to establish of the Department of African American Studies and a Black student union, today called the Black House; and
WHEREAS, the resolution that resulted is called the “May 4th Agreement,” and it has made a lasting and major impact on the University. Although work still remains to be done, the consequences of the students’ actions were striking and productive, from increasing black student enrollment and financial aid, to revised housing policies, to the expansion of “studies of black history and black culture,” among others; and
WHEREAS, on June 7, 2018 the 50th Commemoration of the Bursar’s Office Takeover Community Recognition Event will honor and acknowledge members of the Evanston community and organizations that supported Black students at Northwestern around the time of the Bursar’s Office Takeover of 1968; and
WHEREAS, members of the Foster Senior Club will be honored, along with leaders in the community from black-owned businesses, organizations and churches. The event will feature speakers from the Northwestern University administration, Garrett Seminary, NU Black Alumni, and City of Evanston administration; and
WHEREAS, the dedication and hard work of the NUBAA in supporting former and current students during their time at Northwestern cannot be overstated. It is their support that has helped countless students and alumni achieve their potential; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of Cook County, on behalf of the 5.2 million residents of Cook County takes great pleasure in recognizing the Northwestern University Black Alumni Association; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that an official copy of the same be tendered to the Northwestern University Black Alumni Association.
end