Willard Straight Takeover Study Guide
(http://www.library.cornell.edu/africana/guides/wsh.html)
Compiled by Eric Kofi Acree, Librarian
Willard Straight Hall Takeover:
An Introduction
On April 19, 1969, black students occupied Willard Straight
during Parents' Weekend as a continuing form of protest about racial
issues on campus. Citing the university's racist attitudes and irrelevant
curriculum, the students occupied the building for thirty-six hours.
The takeover received national attention as thousands of black and white
students became involved, which engaged the community in broad discussion
about race relations and educational matters. For many the image of
students leaving the Straight with guns is the only lasting memory they
have of the takeover. However, it was more than that. The guns were
introduced in the seizure of a building only after groups of white students
had attacked the black students occupying the Straight. After the peaceful
end of the takeover, Cornell University introduced a curriculum in Africana
Studies and established the Africana Studies & Research Center.
The purpose of this study guide is to offer suggestions
on how to find materials on the Willard Straight Takeover, Cornell University,
1969.
Bibliography Links:
Books and Theses
Audio/Visual Materials of WSH Takeover
Selected Internet Articles
Magazine/Journal Articles
Newspaper Articles, Pre-Takeover,
Dec. 1968-April 1969
Newspaper Articles, Aftermath,
April 1969
Newspaper Articles,
Aftermath, May-October 1969
Newspaper Articles,
Aftermath, 1979-1999
Primary Resources at Cornell
Library of Congress Subject Headings:
African American College Students
African American Student Movements
Black Power--United States--History
Cornell University--Faculty
Cornell University--Students
College students--Political activity
Cornell University--Strike, 1969
Cornell University--Administration--History
Education, Humanistic--United States
Straight Takeover, 1969
Student Movements--United States—History
Keywords/Phrases: willard straight hall takeover, straight takeover, Afro-American Society (AAS), Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), Thomas W. Jones, President James A. Perkins, student protest, black studies
