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

Hands-on Chemistry, one of the College of Humanities Sciences Summer Camp offerings this year, offered dynamic labs, such as growing crystals using borax and building a spectroscope for a chromatography activity. (Contributed image)

July 22, 2026

Summer camps give middle and high school students an authentic college experience

Weeklong sessions from the College of Humanities and Sciences range from AI and chemistry to genealogy and primatology, providing campers an on-campus education with VCU faculty and facilities.

Dulanda Saintcyr

April 22, 2026

African American studies and political science alum channels research skills to gauge public opinion

Dulanda Saintcyr (B.A.’23) focuses her research work in politics and advocacy for Hart Research

Queani Johnson

April 21, 2026

Five Questions with African American studies and political science major Queani Johnson

Queani Johnson will pursue law school after the completion of her undergraduate studies

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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.

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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.

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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.

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