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The History of the Howard University Student Protest of 1989: Black Power and Student Activism

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Published in We Are Worth Fighting For: A History Of The Howard University Student Protest Of 1989 (Black Power 1)

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We Are Worth Fighting For: A History of the Howard University Student Protest of 1989 (Black Power 1)

We Are Worth Fighting For: A History of the Howard University Student Protest of 1989 (Black Power Book 1)

by Joshua M. Myers

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1967 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	299 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

In the spring of 1989, Howard University erupted in a series of protests that would make national headlines. The protests were sparked by a number of factors, including the perceived racism of the university administration, the lack of affordable housing for students, and the university's decision to sell off its historic Miner Hall to a private developer. The protests were led by a group of students who called themselves the Howard University Student Association (HUSA). HUSA was a coalition of student groups that had been working to address the concerns of students on campus.

The Protests Begin

The protests began on April 18, 1989, when a group of students occupied Miner Hall. The students refused to leave the building until their demands were met. The students' demands included the resignation of university president James Cheek, the creation of a new student center, and the establishment of a fund to provide affordable housing for students.

The protests quickly spread to other parts of campus, and soon thousands of students were involved. The protests were met with resistance from the university administration, which called in the police to clear the buildings. The police used tear gas and billy clubs to disperse the students, and several students were arrested.

The Students' Demands

The students' demands were based on a number of grievances that they had with the university administration. The students felt that the administration was not responsive to their concerns, and that it was more interested in serving the interests of the university's wealthy donors than in meeting the needs of its students. The students also felt that the university was not ng enough to address the issue of racism on campus. They pointed to a number of incidents in which black students had been harassed or discriminated against by white students and faculty members.

The students' demands also included a call for more affordable housing. At the time, Howard University was located in a gentrifying neighborhood, and the cost of housing was rising rapidly. Many students were struggling to afford to live near campus, and some were even being forced to live in their cars.

Finally, the students demanded that the university stop its plans to sell off Miner Hall to a private developer. Miner Hall was a historic building that had been used by black students for decades. The students felt that selling the building would be a betrayal of the university's legacy.

The University's Response

The university administration initially responded to the protests with hostility. President Cheek called the students "hoodlums" and "thugs," and he threatened to expel any students who participated in the protests. The administration also called in the police to clear the buildings, and several students were arrested.

However, the administration eventually realized that it could not ignore the students' demands. The protests had gained national attention, and the university was facing pressure from alumni, donors, and politicians to resolve the issue. In the end, the administration agreed to meet some of the students' demands. President Cheek resigned, and the university agreed to create a new student center and to establish a fund to provide affordable housing for students. The university also agreed to stop its plans to sell off Miner Hall.

Legacy of the Protests

The Howard University Student Protest of 1989 was a significant event in the history of student activism in the United States. The protests showed the power of students to effect change, and they helped to raise awareness of the issues facing students on college campuses. The protests also helped to strengthen the Black Power movement on campus, and they inspired a new generation of student activists.

The legacy of the protests can still be seen today. The Howard University Student Association (HUSA) is still active on campus, and it continues to advocate for the interests of students. The new student center, which was built in the wake of the protests, is a popular gathering place for students. And Miner Hall is still standing, a reminder of the power of student activism.

The Howard University Student Protest of 1989 was a pivotal moment in the history of the university. The protests showed the power of students to effect change, and they helped to raise awareness of the issues facing students on college campuses. The protests also helped to strengthen the Black Power movement on campus, and they inspired a new generation of student activists. The legacy of the protests can still be seen today, and it is a reminder of the power of student activism.

We Are Worth Fighting For: A History of the Howard University Student Protest of 1989 (Black Power Book 1)

by Joshua M. Myers

4.9 out of 5