Department of African American Studies - Virginia Commonwealth University

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

Dec. 13, 2022

AFAM 499 students share their capstone projects

Black farming and gardening; the role of churches in Black communities; Black women, hip hop, and Afrofuturism. These are a few of the diverse topics that African American Studies students tackled for their senior capstone projects in 2022.

Nov. 17, 2022

New curated Instagram account focuses on depictions of Black girls and women in the media

A team led by African American Studies Professor Grace D. Gipson, PhD has launched Black Girl Magic in Media (@blackgirlmagicinmedia), an Instagram account described as a "curated site that shows the vast, creative representations of Black girls and women in media."

May 17, 2022

Statement on Buffalo massacre

We stand in solidarity with the collective efforts of our local community and nationwide grassroots movements that continue the fight against acts of domestic terrorism fueled by white supremacy that now includes attacks on 13 people.

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AFAM Spotlight

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.

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.

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.