History & Activism

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Born from Activism

Since its inception, OAMI has been a leader in fostering student leadership and enriching the campus community. OAMI’s multicultural and academic programs and initiatives have recruited, retained, and graduated racially, culturally, and economically diverse students, including first-generation and transfers. OAMI has enriched these students’ academic experiences and contributed significantly to a more inclusive and equitable environment for all university community members.

As we have built on this work over the past 35 years, we honor the student activism and sacrifice that compelled the university to make OAMI and other student support offices a reality.

BAM Legacy Tour

The Black Action Movement’s many iterations demonstrate how change only happens through an ongoing commitment and energy to create change. Learn about the different phases of BAM and how activism is being approached up until the present day.

OAMI’s Beginnings

Like many steps toward a more equitable campus, OAMI began as the vision of students. After facing numerous incidents of racism, student activists forced the administration to develop an office set up to support minority affairs.

U-M Activism History

Explore more of the projects and initiatives across the university that aim to raise awareness about the diverse people and groups that made the university what it is today.

BAM Legacy Tour

For decades at U-M, students of color have used collective action to pressure the administration and fight for a more equitable campus. The Black Action Movement (BAM) and the students who came after have organized at various times of social unrest. The following videos tell the story of how Black students and their allies organized and helped create four university units that continue to serve the campus community: the Comprehensive Studies Program (CSP), the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA), the Trotter Multicultural Center, and the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives (OAMI).

Understanding this critical element in the journey toward a more equitable campus will give you a clearer understanding of how student sacrifice and prolonged engagement has shaped U-M.

Read a full transcript of the videos

BAM I - 1970 to 1975

In January 1970, Black students, frustrated by the university's lack of commitment to students of color, formed the Black Action Movement (BAM) and began a decades-long fight to create a more inclusive U-M campus.

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Black and white photo of a person walking outside.

BAM II - 1975 to 1987

Continued dissatisfaction with unmet promises led to the formation of the Third World Coalition Council and the Black United Front and a sit-in at the administration building, marking a crucial moment in student activism history despite limited success.

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A crowd on a city street as a person in a dark jacket and blue jeans raises his arms, with signs and flags visible in the background under an overcast sky.

BAM III - 1987 to 2013

New incidents of racism spurred the creation of UCAR and BAM III, resulting in significant gains like the establishment of the Office of Minority Affairs, the predecessor to OAMI.

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Chalk board with a lot of writing on it.

#BBUM - 2013 to 2014

With ongoing racial tensions on campus and across the country, Black students launched the viral #BBUM campaign and presented demands, including a new Trotter Multicultural Center.

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The Black Action Movement Legacy Tour is a joint project of:

Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives
Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs
Trotter Multicultural Center

Video Credits

Project Development

Script

Research

Narration

Illustration

Motion Graphics & Editing

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OAMI’s Beginnings

In January 1987, student activists organized to combat and protest the dismal racial climate at the university. Two incidents fanned the flames: a group of Black women received a fake hunting notice announcing “open season” on Black people, and the student-run radio station, WJJX, played a segment with racist jokes and a laugh track. Fed up with the university leadership’s inaction on low diversity enrollment, lack of diverse campus leadership, and a litany of racist acts, students of color had had enough.

The United Coalition Against Racism (UCAR) and the Black Action Movement III (BAM III) organized to make the university listen. UCAR’s demands focused on all underrepresented communities, including creating an Office of Minority Affairs. BAM III organizers sought additional funding for the Black Student Union (BSU) and the Trotter House, an increase in minority leadership representatives, and the addition of racial harassment and discrimination clauses in the university’s rules and regulations. In addition, BAM III rallied for an uncompromised ratification of UCAR’s demands.

When President Shapiro failed to meet UCAR’s demands, students invited Reverend Jesse Jackson to mediate negotiations to end the prolonged struggle. In March 1987, six concessions were made, including creating an Office of Minority Affairs (OMA) to assist in recruiting and retaining minority students, faculty, and staff.

In 1993, when Dr. Lester Monts became vice provost for academic and multicultural affairs, the Office of Minority Affairs was renamed to the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives (OAMI).

Additional Resources

While not as well-documented and researched as many chapters in Michigan’s history, here is a collection of additional resources to explore.