Welcome to ABS!
The Association of Black Students at Washington University in St. Louis is a student organization dedicated to the interests of students who identify as Black or a part of the African diaspora. Our primary duty and responsibility is to strive for progressive social change.
About ABS
The first class of African-Americans was admitted to WashU in 1952. Unfortunately, this was a failed attempt at equality; Black students faced discrimination from all spheres. This all changed in 1967, with the formation of the Association of Black Students (formerly, the Association of Black Collegians). With the Black Manifesto of 1968, Black leaders presented Washington University leadership with a list of expectations of equality and acknowledgment. Among these expectations was the institution of a Black Studies program, a demand for an increase in the admittance of qualified Black students, and sufficient financial support for those admitted. These expectations were met and laid the foundation for the thriving academic and social Black community at Washington University today.
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