African American Studies

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s call for economic equality and workers’ rights have been diluted in political conversations, St. Louis University historian Christopher Tinson said. Politicians like to quote from King’s “I Have a Dream” speech but ignore the civil rights leader’s fight for workers and poor people.

St. Louis University is converting its African American Studies program into a full department this fall. Faculty and students have championed the effort since the early 1970s and say it’s a big step for equality.

Robert L. Williams II, who founded Washington University's Black Studies program, was a strong and nurturing man who inspired students and cared deeply about Black literature, dance and theater. Williams, who coined the term "ebonics," died last week.