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

Adam Ewing, Ph.D., will spend the year in residence in North Carolina, joining more than 30 other scholars as he works on his new book, a history of popular pan-Africanism in the 20th century. (Contributed photo)

May 19, 2025

African American studies professor Adam Ewing earns National Humanities Center fellowship

He will spend the upcoming academic year working on his book about 20th-century pan-Africanism.

Cloud Easterly, a second-year communication arts major at VCU, said the Graphic Narratives Lab fellowship was the push they needed to bring their ideas to life. Here, their character Suko poses with some sidekicks. (Contributed by Cloud Easterly)

April 24, 2025

Undergraduates flex their comics creativity in VCU’s Graphic Narratives Lab

The initial cohort of students explores visual storytelling and scholarship.

From left: Sesha Joi Moon, Chuck Richardson, Shawn Utsey, Stephanie Rizzi and Christopher Brooks during the recent “Restoration and DEI: Where are We Now?” panel discussion at VCU. (Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Oct. 22, 2024

Panelists assess historical shadows and modern perspectives on DEI and restorative justice

The discussion, offered by VCU’s Project Gabriel and Common Book program, highlights personal connections and broad-based insights.

AFAM Spotlight