The Amistad Research Center, housed on Tulane University’s campus, is facing a critical challenge as federal budget cuts have slashed nearly half of its funding, forcing layoffs and creating uncertainty for its researchers.
Organizers are working hard to preserve the history within its walls.
“It’s important that we have places like Amistad Research Center because history, it’s a part of our lives, our everyday lives,” said an organizer.
Artist Greer Mendy emphasized the center’s significance, saying, “I’m researching the subject of bounce. We’re looking at bounce from the standpoint of its social political environment, how it began, who started it.”
The center houses more than 900 collections, including records related to women’s history, Black women’s history, physics, STEM organizations, film, and artwork, all crucial to understanding history.
Mendy further highlighted the importance of the center’s resources, stating, “If this was not available to the public, what would we have to base our work on? Here we have the authentic truth developed and distributed and archived by a renowned institution that’s trustworthy and factual.”
In response to the funding crisis, the center is appealing for donations from both the local community and globally. “We’re asking for not only our local community, but we’re asking globally for everyone to donate,” said Mendy.
The Amistad Research Center has been on Tulane University’s campus since 1987, having previously been located at Dillard University. Organizers are urging monetary donations from the public to keep the center open, with contributions accepted at saveblackhistory.org.
READ MORE:Amistad Research Center seeks donations amid funding cuts
