GSU-92: The Legacy
What began as a protest bringing attention to campus injustice, resulted in contributing to larger university progress. All students were granted amnesty as the first demand requested.
The immediate development of a department of African-American Studies was the second demand endorsed by President Patton. Incepted as early as 1991, the Concerned Student demonstrations set the establishment of the department in motion. Approved by the Board of Regents in 1993, Dr. Charles Jones would become the founding chair of what is now called Africana Studies in the Fall of 1994.
The students call also advanced the expansion of the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies department. With access to culturally competent education, Georgia State University hosts a more diverse student body, graduating more Black students than any non-profit university or college in the United States.
“…our department continues to honor the legacy of the protests that ultimately led to the creation of our department.’
Dr. Gayles, Chairs Welcome
In 2022, the Africana Studies department commemorated the 30 years since GSU-92 and 60 years since three Black female students, dubbed the Ground Crew, integrated Georgia State. The leadership of Black students has a history of advancing the inclusivity of GSU campus culture. GSU-92 reminds us that when leveraged, the concerns of students can break new ground for future generations to come.