Summary Of James B. Stewart: The Field And Functions Of Black Studies

James B. Stewart essay “The Field and Functions of Black Studies” focus primarily on explaining the mandate of W.E.B. DuBois. The first thing we need to understand is that historically we appear to be repeating history, rather than making new strides in it. The obstacles that African Americans face today are different, however, the results are the same. Black Studies are truly not understood or effectively being taught if you are not attending an HBCU. W.E.B. DuBois (1933) said “…[S]tarting with present conditions and using the facts and the knowledge of the present situation of American Negroes, the Negro university expands toward the possession and the conquest of all knowledge.” Understanding our history and political background as it revolves around the problem of black studies, we can hopefully move forward to stop history from repeating itself. …show more content…
However, Robin D. G. Kelley article “Black Study, Black Struggle” talks about protestors and students views about the lack of black studies in universities and the university’s capacity to change their curriculum to accommodate them. As with anything those views varied from extremely radical ideas to very liberal ideas. Robin D. G. Kelley (2016) stated that “Black studies was conceived not just outside the university but in opposition to a Eurocentric university culture with ties to corporate and military power.” Having access to corporate and military assets allows those in power to easily have access to the necessary resources to actually affect changes in the