The Black Student Movement (BSM) at Pittsburg State University began in the late 1960s after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and was especially active throughout the 1970s. As a predecessor to the current Black Student Association at Pitt State, BSM played a key role in organizing Black Heritage Week (a precursor to Black History Month), the Miss Bold Black Beauty Pageant, Black Homecoming, and the Black Pearls Drill Team. This assembled collection features student newspaper and yearbook articles, photographs, and assorted documents relating to the Black Student Movement's activities. Many notable speakers visited campus during this time period, including Shirley Chisholm, whose 1972 speech is included here.

Please note that this archival collection contains historic language and images that may be considered offensive or biased, or which marginalize certain individuals and communities. The presence of offensive language or images is not an endorsement by Library Services or by Pittsburg State University. You can read our full equity statement here.