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

The Department of African American Studies presents the Black History in the Making Awards to outstanding students each year. (File photo)

March 3, 2023

Founder of Black History in the Making Awards urges newest recipients to fight for truth

Daryl Dance, who started the awards in 1983, says, “Many of the major victories in African American history either began with college students or were joined and supported by college students throughout our nation.”

Black History Month at VCU will feature a wide variety of events and activities. (Getty Images)

Feb. 3, 2023

An overview of 2023 Black History Month events and activities at VCU

February’s lineup includes a wide range of opportunities for students, staff, faculty and the community.

a person walking in front off 800 west Franklin Street.

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.

AFAM Spotlight

Events

Collaboration and sharing are at the core of our mission.

artistic rendering of egyptian sphinxes with laser beams coming out of their eyes

Impossible Worlds

Dates: Friday, Mar 24, 2023 – Friday, Sep 8, 2023

The Impossible Worlds Art Show will open March 24 and run through September 8. Submissions are accepted through March 17.