Department of African American Studies

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

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

March 3, 2023

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.”

Dr. Grace Gipson hugs a student who has received an award

Department of African American Studies celebrates recipients of the 2023 Black History in the Making award

March 2, 2023

On February 28, the Department of African American Studies hosted a ceremony and reception honoring the 2023 Black History in the Making award (photo credit: LA Ricks)

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

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

Feb. 3, 2023

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.

AFAM 499 students share their capstone projects

Dec. 13, 2022

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.

Grace Gipson, PhD sits in her office reading a book.

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

Nov. 17, 2022

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."

a single candle burning in the dark

Statement on Buffalo massacre

May 17, 2022

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.

aerial view of v.c.u. campus

Students surprised with special Zoom guest from the show ‘P-Valley’

May 5, 2022

Cherokee Hall shares her experiences with students who are taking a course that explores the Black female voice in television and blends pop culture with real-world issues and problems.

aerial view of v.c.u. campus

VCU researcher awarded three-year grant for tobacco investigation

April 11, 2022

The study will be the first of its kind to develop an equity-centered road map focused on eliminating tobacco-related inequities among Black tobacco users.

A student receiving an award and embracing the presenter.

VCU community comes together to celebrate Black History in the Making recipients

April 8, 2022

Every year, departments and units across VCU are invited to select exceptional Black studies for the award.

The Department of African American Studies initiated the process to rename its building, formerly Harrison House, in January 2020. (University Marketing)

Gabriel’s House: African American Studies building renamed in honor of leader of planned slave revolt

March 22, 2022

‘We honor Gabriel for his courage in pursuing the unfinished work of Black liberation, and as a true hero of Virginia.’