“Cornell stands for civil discourse, reasoned thought, sustained discussion and constructive engagement without degrading, abusing, harassing or silencing others. Cornell is committed to act responsibly and forthrightly to maintain an environment that opens doors, opens hearts, and opens minds.”

— Cornell’s Statement on Diversity

On Oct. 30, the Africana Studies and Research Center kicked off its 40th anniversary celebration with a three hour event surrounding the origins and evolution of Africana studies. The event was celebrated with the theme of “Looking Back, Moving Forward.”

As we take a look back, we can see that there has been some progress. Those students who courageously sat in The Straight 40 years ago had a vision for what campus life should be like for us. They and other student activists across the country wanted departments like Africana to be established so that black students could learn about the history, culture and politics of the peoples of the African Diaspora — something that was previously denied in Eurocentric institutions of higher education. They wanted us to obtain the knowledge of where we came from, so that we could produce more knowledge about how to continue the struggle for equality.

Ujamaa Residential College is another manifestation of this vision. It is a space that creates community and understanding where anyone who wants to learn more about the history and culture of the African Diaspora, and the political struggles of other marginalized groups, can live in a safe and nurturing environment. These spaces do way more than just fulfill Cornell’s stated dedication to “diversity”; they promote equality. By allowing non-normative perspectives to be central to these spaces, it works to break down the existing cultural hierarchy.

But how can these spaces completely fulfill the visions of student activists in 1969 if in 2009, we’re still fighting for their continued existence and legitimacy?

Nationwide, Africana programs and departments are under attack, threatened to be eliminated, because of a lack of funding. They are also in danger of losing their autonomy by being collapsed with other marginalized studies into one department comprised of Black, Women’s, Queer, Latino and Asian American Studies, etc. It’s important that these disciplines retain their independence because they each have a unique perspective and are marginalized in distinct ways that warrant their own academic space. Moreover, students who have a passion in Africana and other marginalized studies are dissuaded from pursing advanced degrees in these areas because they are not seen as “legitimate” areas of studies and are warned that they won’t get us a job. This concern is merited by the fact that many Africana professors have dual appointments with “traditional” departments such as History, English and Sociology. Additionally, this pattern of dual appointments speaks to the larger issue of faculty “diversity.” While most of the black professors at Cornell are in some way connected to the Africana department, not all “traditional” departments house black professors.

In the case of Ujamaa, which is instrumental to the black community at Cornell and Ithaca, students have always had to defend its right to exist. In publications and in conversations, the “self-segregation” argument is always brought up. Stigma towards this community coupled with inadequate resources to maintain the facility leads to under enrollment of this living space. The struggle to just exist limits what this space can produce and contribute to Cornell University. Current controversy surrounding the unwarranted reassignment of longtime Residence Hall Director Ken Glover speaks to a broader issue of silencing deviant political voices. Student activists in 1969 fought to ensure that all perspectives would be considered.

As we move forward, there needs to be a serious reevaluation of what “diversity” means and what it should accomplish. Currently, diversity is about accepting differences of cultures and identities but for spaces like Africana and Ujamaa to be legitimized, diversity has to be about eradicating racism. As it stands today, Cornell prides itself on its diversity — there has been frequent mention of the Class of 2013 being the most ethnically diverse in the history of the University. But what does it mean to have all of these students represented if the spaces that promote their livelihood and perspectives are continually under siege? The marginalization of these spaces is a manifestation of institutionalized racism. A university can enroll as many “diverse” students as it wants, but what difference does that make if they feel the need to conform to the white norm?

One way to combat this institutionalized racism is to acknowledge it. Having honest dialogue in classes, faculty meetings, diversity forums and conferences about structural discrimination and how power dynamics affect different groups can help. Additionally, Cornell should fully support established entities that are already working to promote equality. Lastly, black political voice from students, faculty and staff should genuinely be considered in decision-making and policies concerning our community.

We do not stand alone.

[Editor’s Note: This column is the final installment of a series exploring issues that impact multicultural and minority communities at Cornell. The series ran in The Sun last week.]

Ryann Alexander ’10 is a Africana Studies and Research Center M.P.S. Candidate and secretary for the Africana Student Association. She may be reached at rma86@cornell.edu. Tia Hicks ’11, in the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, is a campus liaison for Black Students United. She may be reached at tmh76@cornell.edu. Zachary Murray ’11, in the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, is a campus liaison for Black Students United. He may be reached at zxm2@cornell.edu. Ebony Ray ’10, in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations, is a former Resident Advisor to Donlon and the Low Rises.She may be reached at epr6@cornell.edu.