The following historical background was retrieved from the UCR African Student Programs website.

"In 1968, an estimated 60 students led by Charles Jenkins founded the Black Student Union at UCR. Soon after, in 1969, the group helped originate the Black Studies Department. The major was dissolved in 1970 and categorized as an interdisciplinary study instead. The newly formed Black Student Union remained active though and, along with those involved in the former Black Studies department, remained committed to giving value to the Black student experience.

Throughout the 1970s, many old articles in The Highlander referenced organizations such as “Black Students United” and “Black Student Activities,” but it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly when what we think of as African Student Programs became “official.” In general, 1972 is the agreed-upon date. It was during this time period that the former Black Studies Department emerged as a natural gathering space for students of African descent, as well as a distinct resource for additional student services and support.

In 1979, Black Student Activities under the guidance of Kathryn Jones became Black Student Programs and was recognized as an official entity. In the fall of 1998, student leaders organized to change the department name from Black Student Programs to African Student Programs."

Citation: African Student Programs: Our History. (2011). Retrieved April 19, 2013 from http://www.asp.ucr.edu/whoweare/Pages/ourhistory.aspx.