Part 1: The Catalyst
In 1968, Students from the University of Puget Sound Black Student Union (BSU) wrote a letter to President Thompson critiquing the academic curriculum of the University. They demanded that the President build an academic curriculum that accounts for black lives and their history and place within society [A&SC 13].
The students wrote:
“Black Students want an education that teaches the true history of Afro-Americans and our role in the Present day society.”
“Black Students are responded to Stimuli created by society.” [A&SC 13]
It is likely that a “local stimuli” for the letter was the “Now, Mr. Lincoln?” campaign for black business owners in Tacoma. In addition, Key Events on campus demonstrate the continual awareness of black voices in society among Puget Sound students in particular.
“UPS stands at the cross roads where it must choose between a truly great representative university or a perpetrator of Afro-Americans second-class citizens.” [A&SC 13]
“We must change the educational institutions of this country by any means necessary.…” [A&SC 13]
In this letter, BSU students administer a “call to action” for the university and demonstrate a persuasive rhetorical style establishing the “Black Curriculum” for students on campus [A&SC 13].
