Grassroots Activism

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Grassroots activism supported the desegregation of the public school system. The Obsidian Newspaper [Figure 1] was a monthly printed student newspaper at BGSU. In a 1976 issue, the newspaper's tagline was "Reflections of the Third World People." From 1977 onwards, the papers were printed with the tagline "Reflections of People of Color." This student-led paper covered issues of race and integration on campus and in their community, including an article entitled, "An Asian Speaks," in which a faculty member of Asian identity discussed Asian American issues and concerns. The Obsidian also printed advertisements for the Black Student Union, updates on Ethnic Studies classes available in upcoming terms, and local hair salons that cut ethnic hair. In a 1976 "Note From the Editors," the Obsidian editorial staff printed a message to its readers:

"There are many that see The Obsidian as a possible organizing force as well as an opportunity to gain journalistic experience... We see but one direction for The Obsidian, forward uncompromisingly, despite the negative forces which wish to slow us down and intimidate us through financial pressure. We see but one destiny -- to print the truth by exposing it to serve the interest of the people. We have but one policy -- to defend, inform, and educate the people." 

The "Cool Carl" cartoon [Figure 2] was published in every edition of the Obsidian, addressing daily racism and discrimination issues experienced by students of color in the community and on campus. A 1971 BG News article, "Spokesman reviews Black culture" [Figure 3] is another example of community desegregation. In the article, the spokesperson of the BGSU Black Student Union praised the quality of the Black Culture Week organized at BGSU in 1971 but pointed out the fact that only one percent of the attendants were white. The writer thus called for higher attendance by white students, faculty, and staff who could learn more about black culture during Black Culture week.

In many other communities, grassroots movements took form in the publication of children's books. The book We've Got A Job [Figure 4] is an example of a children's book that provides a detailed historical account of the realities of segregation in Birmingham, Alabama. The book also includes interviews with protesters, and the reasons why they chose to heed Martin Luther King, Jr.'s call to "fill the jails" when many adults did not. Reading Rainbow [Figure 5], one of the most successful children's educational programs, aired beginning in 1983. Host LeVar Burton was then best known as the star of Roots, an Emmy-winning miniseries about American slavery. The show explored many books featuring black children. The famous theme song [Figure 6] was sung by Tina Fabrique, a black singer and actress, who had performed on Broadway and at the 1988 Grammys with Michael Jackson; she sings "I can be anything," the core message of the show to all children, but a prticularly pointed message coming from a black singer and a black televison host. These messages to children on public television affected at least two generations of Americans. The book Tar Beach [Figure 7] shows some of the cracks between the civil rights movements of the twentieth century. The narrator Cassie dreams of a future of success and equality, while she remembers the racism that kept her grandfather and father from joining labor unions. This book's illustrations contribute to the continuing imagery of quilts as part of the storytelling and remembrance of black family history.