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

Mignonne Guy, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of African American Studies, is the recipient of the 2024 Pebbles Fagan Award. (Contributed photo)

Nov. 17, 2023

VCU’s Mignonne C. Guy receives award for outstanding contributions through health-equity research

Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco honors her commitment to public health.

Donald Sutherland in "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1978).

Oct. 23, 2023

What’s your favorite scary movie? A horror film watch list for October.

From "Candyman" to "The Wizard of Oz"(!), VCU students, faculty, alums and staff share hair-raising recs for the spookiest of months.

The three-year project was awarded a $3 million grant by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities at the National Institutes of Health. (Getty Images)

Oct. 9, 2023

Ahead of FDA ban, a new project will assist providers in helping patients quit menthol cigarettes

The project led by researchers at VCU and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is supported by a new $3 million grant.

AFAM Spotlight