1980s

Black History March, 1989

The 1980s were a time during which Black students gained a greater presence on campus, creating significant visibility and voice, but not without challenges and resistance.

Students in Black History March, North Carolina State University
Students in Black History March, North Carolina State University, Division of Student Affairs, Student Media Authority Records, UA 016.035, Special Collections Research Center, NC State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC

Kevin Howell, 1987-1988

In 1988, Kevin Howell became the first Black student to serve as Student Body President at NC State. Under his leadership, the University recognized Martin Luther King Day for the first time in 1988, and Howell led the March Against Racism-Challenging History (M.A.R.C.H.) to support change in the University's policies toward Black students.

Black and white headshot of Kevin Howell from 1988
Kevin Howell, 1988, North Carolina State University. Agromeck (LD3928 .N75), Special Collections Research Center at NC State University Libraries
Kevin Howell at the microphone in front of protestors
M.A.R.C.H. protest for African American equality, with Kevin Howell at the microphone. North Carolina State University, Division of Student Affairs, Student Media Authority Records, 1909-2011 (UA016.035), Special Collections Research Center at NC State University Libraries

Brian Nixon, 1989-1990

In 1989, the number of Black students enrolled at NC State surpassed 2000. That same year, Brian Nixon became the second Black Student Body President at NC State. During his term, Nixon worked to implement programs that encouraged students to practice ethical behavior and allowed students to meet with campus leaders in informal settings. Nixon accomplished many successful programs in spite of receiving racist hate speech, death threats, and intimidating calls and letters throughout his presidency.

Technician newspaper headline stating, 'Nixon wins Student Body President'
Technician, Vol. 70 No. 78, April 5, 1989, Technician (Raleigh, N.C.) (LH1 .N6 T4), Special Collections Research Center at NC State University Libraries
Brian Nixon sits for interview in 2011
Interview with Brian Nixon, September 09, 2011, Student Leaders Oral Histories, MC 00401, Special Collections Research Center, NC State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC
Black and White photo of Brian Nixon at a speaking engagement in 1990
1990 Agromeck: Leaders of the Pack, Volume 88, North Carolina State University. Agromeck (LD3928 .N75)
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"What we really wanted to be is dedicated to the university. To do the right thing for the university."

—Interview with Brian Nixon, September 09, 2011, Student Leaders Oral Histories, MC 00401, Special Collections Research Center, NC State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC