Department of African American Studies

College of Humanities and Sciences

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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.

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News

Sharron McDaniel

Nov. 4, 2026

Alum returns to campus to support local children

Sharron McDaniel (B.A. ‘17, B.S.W.’17) serves as the program coordinator for the Mary and Frances Youth Center which creates youth programming and promotes community building

Avery Brown-Renfro

Nov. 4, 2026

African American studies alum curates art exhibition with personal history

Avery Brown-Renfro (B.A.’25) credits her AFAM coursework for inspiring her work in historical preservation

Zaniah Blakely with the U.S. Capitol in the background (contributed photo)

Sept. 24, 2026

Five questions with African American Studies and English double major Zaniah Blakely

Reading, writing, and community drives Blakely’s academic pursuits

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AFAM Spotlight

Tarazha Jenkins

Meet a Student

Tarazha Jenkins is passionate about communications and politics, as well as how it can affect the black community. One day she hopes to work on Capitol Hill.

Fidelia Igwe

Meet an Alum

Fidelia Igwe ('15) is associate director of College and Career Access at DC Prep in Washington D.C. and CEO/lead consultant of Equitable Minds, LLC.

Read more

African American Studies major Shawn Williams

Meet a Student

Shawn Williams says majoring in African American studies helps them build towards a healthier, inclusive, antiracist future. Read more about Shawn, including her favorite courses, professors and sources of inspiration.

Events

Collaboration and sharing are at the core of our mission.

"Wounded Healer" Author Talk

Date: Saturday, Nov 14, 2026

In partnership with Author and AFAM Alumna Evandra Catherine, the Department of African American Studies will cosponsor an author talk on the book "Wounded Healer: Breaking Cycles of Trauma For The Next Generation"

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