Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center Subject File, 1969-2011 | University of Illinois Archives

The Afro-American Cultural Center was opened in 1969 in response to the demands of 150 black students to Chancellor Peltason to end "institutional racism" on campus.¹ Val Gray was hired as the first director of the Center.² In 1974, Bruce Nesbitt, who had been the interim director, was appointed to that position in a permanent capacity.³ In 2004, the center was rededicated as the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Program.⁴

¹ Daily Illini. "Demands bring cultural center." Satuday, November 15, 1969. p. 9.

² Ibid.

³ Daily Illini. "Black center hopes to expand programs." September 4, 1974. p. 3.

⁴ Bruce D. Nesbitt AACP Student Guide, 2006. RS 41/12/818 Box 1.