Written by Tyisha Blade
Black Studies Vindicator Display in the Howard A. Mims Cultural Center
The Black Studies program and The Vindicator magazine have roots at Cleveland State University dating back to 1969. Both organizations have served as voices for underrepresented students at the university for decades. As engines that propel the student community toward success, the two have continuously encouraged students to confront challenges they may encounter and seek out educational, social and moral standings. They have not only provided support, but also an extended family that expands beyond the halls of Cleveland State and into the community of greater Cleveland.
To honor the connection between Black Studies program and The Vindicator, the program decorated its display cases with past and present issues of the publication. The program is currently under the direction of Thomas Bynam, Ph.D. The current program coordinator, Prester Pickett, M.F.A., came to Cleveland State as the assistant to the Director of Black Studies program in 1996. Originally located on the first floor of the building that is now the Student Center, Black Studies members would often run into Vindicator staff, as the publication’s offices were also located in the Student Center at the time. “It was very common for staff members to regularly visit the center to keep us informed of other activities on campus and allow us a chance to share information about our intended events and activities,” Pickett said. Pickett would like to see the bond between the program and the publication grow by ensuring that The Vindicator covers Black Studies’ events and, in turn, the program could host publication events such as honoring Black journalists. “The thought is that if any campus publication is going to highlight our Black cultural program, the ideal recommendation would be that The Vindicator does that,” he added. “It would seem that the staff of The Vindicator is best positioned and empowered to have a cultural lens that can allow the people to see what needs to be vindicated in our community.”
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