Audio/Visual Materials of Willard Straight Hall Takeover
(http://www.library.cornell.edu/africana/guides/wshav.html)
Compiled by Eric Kofi Acree, Librarian
Videos Cassette Tapes:
Cook, Gayla, Makila James, Robert Johnson. AS&RC
Conference. Tape 9. Videocassette. (53 minutes)
Africana Library - Video 569
Graduates of the Africana Studies and Research Center reflect upon their
experiences at Cornell University. They relate how they were propared
for their lives through the institution. Also explain the need for Black
institutions within larger institutions.
Diamant, Ralph. Black Determination: Cornell
1969 Movie Film. Videocassette. Narr. Tom Jones. (15 minutes)
Africana Library – Video 209; Kroch Library Rare & Manuscripts
– Archives 4444
This film is about the 1969 takeover of Willard Straight Hall at Cornell University. Included is a historical overview of the demands made by black students to have Cornell start a Black Studies program. Actual footage and audio of the takeover are included. This film was produced by Ralph Diamant, and narrated by Tom Jones.
Madhubuti, Haki. The Beginning of Africana
Studies: Panel Discussions. Videocassette. 1989. (118
minutes)
Africana Library Video 171
The panelists examine race relations and the Black social position at Cornell and in the world from the 1960s to the present. They urge development of African studies departments throughout the country.
Africana Studies & Research Center. In
the Struggle: Willard Straight Hall Takeover Revisited.
Two Videocassettes, 1989. (160 minutes)
Africana Library Video 432 -
In this video, past and present Cornell University students and administrators recount the history of the takeover of Willard Straight Hall by Black students in 1969 and discuss the implications of the event.
Cornell University Student Protest
Videocassettes, 1969. Cornell University. (Length ?)
Kroch Library Rare & Manuscripts – Archives 37-11-2759
These student protest videocassettes feature the events of April 19,
1969, including the occupation of Willard Straight Hall, the mass assembly
and addresses in Barton Hall, and members of the University Faculty
leaving Bailey Hall.
Audio Cassette Tapes:
McClane, Kenneth A. 1969 and Beyond: Challenges
to Higher Education. Audiocassettes. 1994. (97 minutes)
Uris Library CU 5382
The panelists address issues of higher education, which they feel have been neglected at Cornell since the takeover by black students of Willard Straight Hall in 1969. They argue that universities have an obligation to constantly re-examine the needs of a diverse academic community and embrace a spirit of inquiry, debate and activism.
Madhubuti, Haki. The Beginning of Africana
Studies. Two Audiocassettes 1989. (165 minutes)
Uris Library CU 3174 –
The panelists examine race relations and the Black social position at Cornell and in the world from the 1960s to the present. They urge development of African studies departments throughout the country.
Jones, Thomas. Reflections on the ‘60s
and the ‘90s. Audiocassettes, 1994. (80 minutes)
Uris Library CU 5379
Jones reminisces about the anger, determination, and hope driving the 1969 confrontation between Cornell's administration and minority students. He urges students in the 1990s not to limit their potential with historical resentment, but to strive to create an appreciation for cultural diversity as well as community.
Burak, David. The Seizure of Willard Straight
Hall and its Meaning for Today: A Fifteen Year Retrospective.
Audiocassette, 1984. (105 minutes)
Uris Library CU 1522
The panel looks back on the Willard Straight Hall takeover from various perspectives.
