Why African American Studies?

African American studies in the past and today imparts knowledge that contributes to positive social change.

Our curriculum helps students learn how to define, measure, interpret and validate Black experiences. Graduates leave us ready to think and to act in order to solve the unstructured problems that confront Black communities.

Learn more about the value of a degree in African American studies.

News

Nardos Iyob

Nov. 10, 2025

Nardos Iyob (B.A. ’20) raises awareness for a major adolescent development study

Iyob’s survey of the humanities as a Department of Political Science and Department of African American Studies double major prepared her to work in research

Students Jimmy Perez Hernandez, Savvy Figueroa, Layla Hashish and Ashley Dominguez helped to collect donated items, which will be provided to Southwood Apartments residents. (Contributed photo)

Sept. 12, 2025

VCU students help collect sweatshirts and more for local families

The recent donation drive connects the classroom to the community, College of Humanities and Sciences organizer says.

Sept. 10, 2025

VCU announces recipients of 2025 faculty awards for scholarship, teaching excellence

Interim Provost Beverly J. Warren today announced 30 winners of VCU’s National/International Recognition Awards and 25 winners of the Excellence in Pedagogical Innovation Awards.

AFAM Spotlight

Events

Collaboration and sharing are at the core of our mission.

an emotional student graduate attending her commencement ceremony at v.c.u.

Carter G. Woodson Awards for Academic Excellence

Date: Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026

The Carter G. Woodson Awards for Academic Excellence were founded in 1983 by Dr. Daryl Dance, the distinguished scholar of African American and Caribbean literature, who served as program coordinator during the 1983-84 academic year. Dr. Dance established the Ceremony to recognize students' academic excellence in line with the work and philosophy of Dr. Carter G. Woodson.