Siftings

Are Black Women Safe at the University of Wisconsin–Madison?

In the spring of 1988, a Black female UW–Madison athlete was violently attacked. While authorities denied it was a racially motivated attack, students, faculty and community leaders argued otherwise. But this was not the only attack on Black women to occur on campus or in the Madison community. Graduate student Angelica Euseary explores the history of racialized violence against Black women and asks the question — Are Black women safe at UW–Madison?

The Rise and Fall of “Ethnic Centers” at UW–Madison (1968–1974)

In October of 1968, an Afro-American and Race Relations Center opened at 929 University Avenue. Its mission was to “encourage Afro-American studies,” a new field at the time, and to sponsor events, such as “lectures, black theatre productions, art exhibits, [and] conferences on Afro-American art and culture.” The center quickly became a source of pride for students and, among administrators, proof that the Madison campus supported “programs of interest and relevance to Afro-Americans.” Less than five years later, however, on August 8, 1973, campus officials announced that the center would close, permanently.

The Wisconsin Alumni Magazine and Progressive Era Campus Culture

Founded in 1899 and continuing publication today under the title On Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Alumni Magazine sprung from a desire to keep former students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison appraised of campus happenings and to encourage their ongoing involvement in university affairs. It also reinforced harmful stereotypes of a wide range of marginalized people who were present in the campus community.

Access Denied: Brigid McGuire vs. the University of Wisconsin–Madison

“I’d like to take my place among you as your classmate,” UW law student Brigid McGuire announced to her civil procedure class on September 7, 1994, before revving up her circular power saw and cutting off a portion of her desk to make room for her motorized wheelchair. Amid applause, she added, “My hope for this action today is for this law school to get a carpenter in here and do the right thing.”

Why We Need Oral Histories

Tucked away on the 4th floor of Steenbock Library, you will find The University of Wisconsin–Madison Archives. This blocky, non-descript concrete building holds the history of UW–Madison — legacies of innovation, academic success, institutional organization, and community. Only a front desk and a friendly staff stand between you and the overwhelming collection of documents, materials, and objects that represent the whole history of this campus.

Well… maybe not the whole history.

Message from the director

If you have found your way over to this blog, you may be familiar with University of Wisconsin–Madison’s new Public History Project. If not, here are the basics. The project grew out of a campus study …