University of Virginia Library

Black Culture Week

We are surrounded by black culture. From
the music on the radio to the food offered at
some of the local coteries the influence of
black America abounds. But at this University
other levels of black culture are missing,
particularly in the classroom where black
students and professors are still only a tiny
minority. Hence, the rationale for Black
Culture Week which will begin this Sunday
and which should "bring some awareness of
the black experience to this institution."

The greatest shame in the history of this
school is the failure over so many years to
include black students in the "academical
village." But the University administration has
responded well to this problem in recent years
and applications from black students are
increasing substantially every year over in the
Admissions Department. But that shameful
mark will not be erased simply by enrolling
more blacks. Until white students respect
their black peers and the culture which makes
each black student an individual, black
students will feel unwanted and isolated.

We have to work to make the learning
experience of black students a full and
valuable one. Obviously, as long as we hear of
harassment of black students and racial slurs
in the Charlottesville community, there will
be a long way to go. This upcoming week
should serve as a reminder of the challenge
that faces the University and the achievement
of black students that have become involved
in the University.

The Black Students for Freedom under the
leadership of third yearman, John Thomas,
have met with extraordinary success in
bringing a talented array of blacks to the
University for Black Culture Week. Sunday
night's presentation featuring Georgia black
legislator, Julian Bond, speaking in University
Hall will be one of this year's lecture
highlights. The week also includes numerous
lectures by black authorities in a variety of
fields that should be of interest to all
segments of the University community.

Much praise is due to the Black Students
for Freedom who have planned what will be
one of the largest exhibitions of black culture
in any major university this year. The
generous financial support offered by the
University Union should also be noted. What
is needed from all the members of this
community is a renewal of commitment to
ending racism at the University and to
increasing the enrollment of black students
here. By supporting Black Culture Week
students and faculty will be moved toward
these two goals and gaining a better
understanding of a subject that has been
ignored for too long a time. One day, perhaps,
the University will no longer have to import
black intellectuals and writers in order to get
a glimpse of currently nonexistent aspects of
black culture.