DuBois Institute Seeks Funds, Hopes to Raise $6.9 Million

A fund-raising committee of outside supporters of the DuBois Institute for Afro-American Research has begun to organize a drive to raise a $6.9 million endowment for the institute, Preston N. Williams, acting director of the institute, said yesterday.

The institute, which now has no endowment of its own, plans to use the income from the endowment to provide long-term funding for an expanded program of advanced studies in the history and culture of black Americans.

Williams said the institute's activities now include only a dissertation fellowship program and the sponsorship of two research associates.

Williams refused to explain how the institute is currently funded.

Edward Elson, a member of the fundraising committee, said yesterday he thinks the DuBois Institute now operates on a "large grant from a private source within the university," although he said he was unsure of the fact.

"The fundraising campaign may not have officially begun yet for the committee, although we at the institute feel that it has," Williams said.

Elson, president of the Atlanta News Agency and a member of the fundraising committee, said that the committee plans to have a major organizational meeting with President Bok on May 6.

A brochure to be distributed in the fundraising campaign lists the planned targets of the additional funding:

* The continuation of existing graduate research fellowships.

* The creation of five new fellowships for "outstanding younger scholars whose research promises to be a significant contribution to Afro-American Studies."

* The creation of a senior fellowship program for "accomplished and influential scholars" in the field.

* The publication of a journal.

* The creation of library facilities and bibliographic services.

* The sponsorship of "artists and writers whose talents and achievements are invaluable for understanding Afro-American life and culture."

* The sponsorship of "scholarly meetings," seminars and lectures.

Williams said, "the amount of money may be sizeable but the committee is good and the members tell me that things are improving."

The Institute is currently searching for a permanent director. Williams added that the position would be filled before the end of this term.

"Some people think that the real establishment of the institute will come with the announcement of the permanent director, since my job as interim head is just to keep things flexible for the new person," he added.

Andrew F. Brimmer, chairman of the now defunct advisory committee that formed the institute two years ago, is the chairman of the nine-man fundraising committee.

In 1975, Brimmer rejected proposals by DuBois Institute Student Coalition (DISC) to widen the scope of the Institute to include current social and political problems of the black community as well as supporting graduate research.

The students also requested participation in planning the institute and wanted it to have close ties with the Department of Afro-American Studies.

The Fundraising committee also includes William T. Coleman, Jr., former Secretary of Transportation, Walter J. Leonard, former special assistant to President Bok, John U. Munro, former dean of the college and Lois Dickson Rice, vice president of the College Entrance Examination Board.