The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) recently gave temporary approval for Southern Illinois University Carbondale to establish the Southern Illinois African American Heritage Center (SIAAHC), a new hub for the preservation and promotion of regional Black history.
SIAAHC can seek IBHE approval for permanent center status after four years of operations. Ahead of that process, the center will focus on hosting historical presentations and events for university students and community members, offering workshops on family history preservation, collecting oral histories and regional family records, engaging with K-12 schools throughout the region, and providing access to books and documents about local African American history.
“Southern Illinois University Carbondale is proud to partner with communities across our region to establish the Southern Illinois African American Heritage Center,” said Chancellor Austin Lane. “This center was built through the vision, dedication, and collaboration of community members, scholars, and university leaders who understood that preserving history is a responsibility we all share. Together, we are creating a place where history is not only preserved but shared. By connecting scholarship with community knowledge, we will ensure that the rich contributions of African Americans across Southern Illinois remain an enduring part of our region’s story.”
“Culture and heritage can provide a sense of belonging and serve as a way to connect individuals to their ancestors, communities, and shared histories,” added Paul Frazier, vice chancellor for anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. “We have generations of individuals who have not had the opportunity to truly benefit from some oral history or have not been the benefactor of intangible heritage, such as traditions, languages, and rituals that play a crucial role in sustaining these connections and fostering intergenerational pride.”
