Black Student Association Founded at North Idaho College

In the past Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, has been a center of white supremacist activity. The hate group Aryan Nations had a compound outside the city and the group held an annual parade through the downtown of Coeur D’Alene each year.

But since the closing of the Aryan Nations compound, the city has worked hard to change its image. Now, 40 years after black student unions were formed on campuses throughout the United States, the Black Student Association has been established on the campus of North Idaho College in Coeur D’Alene. The 10-member association hopes to bring more African-American culture to the city. Its first event — a performance by an African dance troupe from Kenya and Tanzania — was held during Black History Month.

Copyright © 2009. The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education. All rights reserved.