Center for Black Studies

The Center for Black Studies has been actively engaging members of the NIU community since it was established in 1971. The CBS supports the mission, vision and values of Northern Illinois University through work that centers the histories, experiences and traditions that span Black and African American diaspora. It supports the academic enterprise of the university through resources, services and programs that support the academic, career/professional, research, social and cultural, personal, and leadership development of our students, faculty, staff and community members.

The CBS seeks to understand the challenges, obstacles, and equity gaps experienced by Black and African American students so that we might better serve them and all students in ways that support their overall success.

Giving Priorities during Huskies United

Center for Black Studies General Fund

Supports student programming and engagement, curating environment centered around belongingness on the campus. This fund assists in serving Huskies with CBS signature events and student led programming.

Center for Black Studies Immediate Assistance Fund

Provides support for students with GPA of a 2.0 or higher, based on Huskies need, this support is applied directly to their bursars. This fund is designed to provide support to students who need a small boost on their way to achieving the goal of graduation.

Black Studies Excellence Fund

Promotes student learning through experiential learning opportunities. This fund helps Huskies study abroad in places such as Ghana, the Caribbean, and the American South.

The staff at the CBS actively supports the diversity represented through the multiple intersecting identities of our students, faculty and staff. As a result, the staff at the CBS engages with the other cultural and resource centers, colleges, academic departments and other units across NIU to ensure the CBS is a collaborative and supportive space on campus for all. The CBS is also home to the Black Studies Minor and Certificate Program.

Please donate to the Center For Black Studies! Your donation will impact students in a variety of ways!!! Go Huskies!