The new Center for Black Studies at The University of Mississippi is "not just a black thing," said Director Curtis Austin but a program to educate all people about the "black experience" throughout history. The idea for the center has been marinating in faculty minds for years, Austin said. Established in June, the center is located in the Center for Oral History in the McCain Archives Library. Austin said the center will create boundless academic opportunities for faculty and students based on education through special programs, mentoring and tutoring. "Our goal is to provide access to all those people who have the knowledge to teach it," he said. "The civil war will look a lot different from the black perspective than say Colonel Reb's." Austin said. Deans, department chairs, and many other supporters on campus and in the community have contributed funds. The center is currently operating without a budget, but that's not slowing down progress. "We have had more than 300 students sign up to be on our student mailing list," said Associate Director Amy Chasteen Miller, an associate professor of sociology and anthropology. Students have continued to show support by forming The Black Studies Student Alliance, a group promoting the center while recruiting peers. "We want students to leave USM better than they found it through the education of Black Studies," said Interim President Myron Lott, a history major from Hattiesburg. With such growing student support, Austin said a minor in Black Studies should be established in November along with an emphasis in race and ethnicity in the U.S. History master's program. He said a major will hopefully be established by next year. “Although media exposure brings interested calls and e-mails, the center has also been criticized. Of course, not everyone is thrilled," said Miller, referring to negative feedback posted to the Hattiesburg American website following an article published about the center. Despite some criticism, Austin said the center's creation is a testimony to the change from Mississippi's racist past. "Beyond a shadow of a doubt change has taken place and steps need to be taken to further that change," he said. "I'd like to concentrate on the positive aspects of our history, not that we diminish the suffering in our past. But if we look forward we have a better chance of solving our problems." Get the 411 @ BlackStudies@usm.edu 601.266.5606 •

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