Working Towards Inclusivity Since the 1960s

In 1959, Illinois Wesleyan University established the IWU School of Nursing with a four-year baccalaureate program and by the 1960's were getting started working out of Stevenson Hall. During this time, IWU was working towards fostering a more inclusive atmosphere and visits by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. enabled the nursing program to work toward inclusivity to all races. IWU's student organizations and the Religious Activities Commission invited Dr. King to our campus twice first on February 14th, 1961 and then he returned five years later in the Fall semester of 1966, just two years after he received the Nobel Peace Prize. While at Wesleyan Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke to educators and students promoting more discussions on civil rights and inclusivity resulting in a deep cultural impact on campus.

Movements towards inclusivity were not just limited to the Nursing School as IWU hired professors John W. Martin in Sociology in 1961 and Frank Starkey in Chemistry in 1971. Paul Bushnell, a history professor who arrived at IWU in 1966 was also active in the Civil Rights movement and taught one of the first African American history courses in the country.

A photo of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speaking at the Fred Young Fieldhouse at Illinois Wesleyan University in 1966.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Speech at Illinois Wesleyan University, 1966

The audio recording allows listeners to relate to MLK's words. In addition to academic hardship, they provide historical context for the challenges Black students could have faced at the time. Some graduating seniors during the time of MLK's speech: Josephine Chiza, S. Rhodesia, Miriam Stewart, Chicago (p.198), Norris Tapp, Chicago Heights, Art Wilson, New Jersey.