See Events Explore Minor WIRE Youth Program Contact Us

LOOKING FOR WORK OR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES?

Student Volunteers:

Student Work:

As positions become available, please check https://wmich.joinhandshake.com

Founded in 1989 as the Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnic Relations, the Institute was renamed in 2000 in honor of Dr. Lewis Walker, Western Michigan University’s first African American Ph.D. faculty member. Dr. Walker devoted his career to teaching and research about race and ethnic relations and worked for social justice through many applied research and community service projects. The Walker Institute continues this work in service to the University and community.

More about the institute

About Dr. Lewis Walker

30+ Years

serving the city of Kalamazoo and surrounding areas
About Us
18

credit hours required for the minor in Race and Ethnic Relations
Start Now
1,000+

3rd-8th grade Kalamazoo area students educated
WIRE Program
500+

books in our library collection concerning race and ethnic topics
Library

A photo of various pieces of hip-hop memorabilia, including a shirt worn by rap group Public Enemy.

Film festival, exhibit to celebrate hip-hop's role in black history

Throughout the month of February—in celebration of Black History Month—the Lewis Walker Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnic Relations will celebrate the hip-hop movement. Events will include a film festival and museum exhibit.

Family overcoming adversity thrives through WMU programs, partnerships

A Kalamazoo family involved in programs offered by WMU's Lewis Walker Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnic Relations is finding success in the classroom and on the job.

LOOKING FOR WORK OR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES?

30+ Years

18

1,000+

500+

Film festival, exhibit to celebrate hip-hop's role in black history

Family overcoming adversity thrives through WMU programs, partnerships