McKinney-Williams, the current vice president of the Black Student Union (BSU), emphasizes the organization’s role in helping her manage pandemic stress, political challenges, and personal issues. “The Black Student Union is a welcoming group that brings people together to have fun. It’s also a place where you can go to discuss what you are seeing and/or experiencing in the Black community,” she explains. Open to all students, the BSU fosters a sense of community and dialogue.
A capstone course ignited McKinney-Williams’ idea for “Uncovering.” During her junior year, Assistant Professor Adam Sekuler noticed gaps in her film’s narrative. “In my proposal, I said I wanted to feature the Black Student Union, talking about what we are currently doing and our future plans. Professor Sekuler let me know that I was missing how it started. I explained that’s because we have no idea,” she says. Sekuler informed her about the IHP grant, enabling her to expand her project significantly.
The IHP grant provided McKinney-Williams with access to better equipment and covered travel and production costs. “This documents an important history about a student org at our university that even the members didn’t know. The Black Student Union now has its history preserved so future members can learn about it and we’re so appreciative,” says McKinney-Williams, who became a student advisory member of the IHP team after receiving the grant.
With guidance from Sekuler and Professor Anthony Luckett, McKinney-Williams uncovered the BSU’s evolution, social movements, and campus events like the Blackout Barbecue. “One was called the Blackout Barbecue and it would take place by the pond. Everyone was invited to come by for food and games and to learn how to do the ‘Hustle’,” she reveals. “I’m about to give everyone an inside scoop — the Black Student Union wants to bring that back.”
The film premieres on Friday, aiming to document student voices, aligning with the IHP mission. The event will feature a red carpet, photo ops, a screening, and a panel discussion along with popcorn and refreshments. McKinney-Williams plans to submit “Uncovering” to film festivals, aiming to preserve UM-Dearborn life in the U-M archives.
For McKinney-Williams, preserving history is paramount. “Sometimes we don’t realize what’s missing until it’s long gone. IHP helped us get our history back and now we are going to take better care of it. Who knows, maybe in 15 or 20 years, someone will see this film and make a part two,” she says. “My hope was to share the story of the Black Student Union and give people something to build upon as time goes on. I hope by people watching it, they can get ideas on how to preserve their histories too.”
UM-Dearborn faculty, staff, and students speaking at the IHP Summit include Amin, Proctor, McKinney-Williams, Morrone, Professor of Sociology Pamela Aronson, Assistant Professor of Human Services Finn Bell, Associate Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies Amy Brainer, Professor of History Martin Hershock, Digital Humanities Coordinator for IHP-Dearborn Marlaine Magewick, Professor of Health and Human Services Lisa Martin, Professor of Geology Jacob Napieralski, and Mardigian Library Assistant Archivist Hannah Zmuda, with UM-Dearborn alum Leah Olijade serving as the emcee.
—
Read More Michigan News
