In 1887, the first African American student named Johnathan A. Rogan enrolled on campus. But, William Walter Smith is the first African American scholar to graduate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Smith acquired three degrees from the university, opening doors for other African American students.
The Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center is the foundation for African Americans on the U of I campus providing networks of programs and support services promoting the individual, social, and cultural academic well-being of Illinois' African American students.
The Black Student Association developed the Irepodun in the 1970's, reflecting the African American culture due to lack of representation in the Illio.
In the year 1968, the University of Illinois decided to launch Project 500 in attempt to enroll underrepresented sutdents after the association of Martin Luther King Jr.
In the year 2014, U of I students created the hastag #BeingBlackAtIllinois, to express their concerns following the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri.
Most of the time I'm the only black student in my classes. It's cool cuz I'm about to be an Engineer. #BeingBlackAtIllinois
- Cody Bailey Student- U of I.
S/o to my young black kings and queens at UIUC standing up for what they believe in. It only takes one person. #BeingBlackAtIllinois
- Queen J Student - U of I.
Being apart of that 5% means alot! #BeingBlackAtIllinois
- Brehanna J. Student - U of I.
