Daily Sundial

Growing up, Barbara Rhodes never thought about teaching at the university level. She had always planned to go to medical school.

Last semester, Rhodes retired after 34 years of teaching in the Pan African Studies Department at CSUN.

“She is considered to be one of our cherished icons,” said Tom Spencer-Walters, Pan African Studies Department Chair.

As Black History Month approaches, people have different emotions about the month long celebration.

In reference to an article from the San Francisco Chronicle on Jan. 28, in which it was reported that actor Morgan Freeman stirred debate on “60 Minutes” in December over his belief that black history should be viewed as part of American history rather than designating a month for the celebration, Rhodes agreed.

?”It’s best understood in the context of the larger history. The need for the (Black History Month ) history arose from a total neglect of African-American history. It is part of American history and should not be marginalized,” Rhodes said.

She realizes,?however, that without Black History Month many African-American youth wouldn’t know anything about their own history.

Rhodes said she believes progress has been made against racism and discrimination. However, any time a statement is made regarding racism, she said she believes people throw out the accusations by saying they are using the “race card.”

“I think racism has become for many people difficult to identify,” Rhodes said. “There are so many illusions. I feel very uncomfortable with where we are today. The masses of our people are still suffering. I don’t feel that things are much better.”

As a professor in the Pan African Studies Department, Rhodes mainly taught African-American Literature and The Black Woman in Contemporary Times. However, the Introduction to Black Culture classes were especially important to her.?

“Culture classes have the ability to teach life lessons instead of pure lecture,” Rhodes said.

Rhodes strived to make her classes interesting for her students.

“I encourage a lot of interaction in my class. I want students to think, and not just record information I give them,” she said.

?”Her teaching style was very easy,” said Lee Ligons, freshman business real estate major and PAS minor. “She didn’t use big words so students can understand things.”

?In addition to teaching, Rhodes also is the director of the DuBois-Hamer Institute, which helps to support the academic success of African-American students at CSUN and in the community.

?”It has been very successful. A lot of that goes to students I was fortunate enough to have work with me, and provide leadership in the program. Without those students I wouldn’t have been able to make the difference that we did,” Rhodes said.

Rhodes was born in Virginia and raised in New York. She completed her undergraduate studies at UCLA in 1963 and received her master’s degree from USC in 1971. She also holds a doctorate in education from USC. Before coming to CSUN she taught high school for a year, was employed as a social worker, and had two children.

The process to find Rhodes’ replacement at the Institution is currently underway.

“In that process, I’m still directing the programs. But the department has formed a committee to look at what will happen to the institution now that I’m not there,” Rhodes said .

Grants also contribute to the success of the Institution.

“These grants have allowed us to go out to communities, and develop different programs,” Rhodes said.

Rhodes made a lasting impression on many in her field, both students and faculty.

“She was my best teacher,” Ligons said. She really opened my mind to black culture. I wish she would come back and teach.”

For anyone who is interested in learning more about black history, Rhodes said, “It’s a lifelong journey. I’ve been committed to learning about all people, particularly African American people. Everyday should be a day to know concretely, that being African American is something that is wonderful. It positions you to make contributions to human kind.

Taline Helwajian can be reached at city@csun.edu.