“The history aspect is the most important,” Losier said. “Because Harvard had such an interesting relationship to African-Americans, it’s imperative for black students on campus to get that information without searching through the Widener stacks.”

The students said the history section, which will begin in 1636, will include alumni perspectives on Harvard before and after desegregation, advice from departing seniors and a detailed photo essay culled from the Harvard archives.

The editors said they also plan to discuss how randomization has changed life for black students on campus—a change they said in part inspired the guide itself.

“Since randomization, it’s been difficult to pass on information from one class to the next,” Freelon said.

“A book is lasting. It will help us rebuild a sense of community,” Redd said.

The students said the BSA plans to use the guide’s interviews to build a database of black alumni. And they said researching the guide, as well as the publication itself, will help to link students and alumni.

And while the students said that there’s nothing wrong with aiming the guide specifically at black students, they said they hope the project will benefit all Harvard students.

“I want every single student here to know about the black experience at Harvard,” said Freelon.