Revolutionizing Black Minds: Guidelines for Black Studies.

When black leaders or scholars in the field talk about Black Studies they are talking about compiling and analyzing data relative to black people in an effort to teach black students and/or make decisions about ideologies and strategies essential for survival and liberation. Black Studies are intended to effectively link the campus and the community, Africa and the Americas, so that each helps the other to survive and free itself. It is because some whites recognize this potential that they have moved to co-opt the field of Black Studies or destroy the programs altogether. These guidelines can help us develop and maintain Black Studies programs. Black Studies programs should have clearly defined purposes. All things being equal, the teachers in Black Studies programs should be black. Black Studies materials need to be integrated into all of the disciplines taught and taught as separate programs; Black Studies need to be taught in school and nonschool settings. A Black Studies program should be based on key concepts and generalizations that are crucial to black survival and freedom. One must carefully evaluate the materials intended for use in such programs. Black Studies program administrators and teachers should establish and maintain strong supporters outside the school to serve as resource personnel, political and economic supporters, and as continuous renewal agents. (Author/JM)