Department of African American Studies

College of Humanities and Sciences

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

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

Sept. 24, 2026

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

Ray Ifanga, a junior majoring in political science and African American studies, said, “I genuinely enjoy meeting people, building connections and being involved in different spaces on campus, which is definitely a shift from how shy and reserved I was when I first came to VCU.” (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Ray Ifanga sharpens his worldview at VCU

Sept. 9, 2026

In classes, research and student leadership, the junior and aspiring lawyer keeps Black communities in focus.

Iresha Picot started a cycling group for Black women and girls in Philadelphia, and it quickly grew in popularity. She also teaches bike maintenance and bike cycling classes because she said, “I want the women to feel like cyclists.” (Contributed photo)

Meet-a-Ram: Iresha Picot makes a mark from mental health to media, from self-care to cycling

Aug. 26, 2026

The 2007 alum has established deep roots and a wide footprint in Philadelphia.

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)

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

July 22, 2026

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

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

April 22, 2026

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

Queani Johnson

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

April 21, 2026

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

Two men in early 20th Century dress lean against a vehicle in front of a wooden barn

2026 Oscar Reviews: 'Sinners'

March 10, 2026

On March 15, the 98th Academy Awards will showcase the best – and most talked-about – films of the year. Ahead of Hollywood’s biggest night, some VCU professors shared their thoughts on films that aligned with their area of expertise and will be in contention in a variety of categories.

Nardos Iyob

Nardos Iyob (B.A. ’20) raises awareness for a major adolescent development study

Nov. 10, 2025

Iyob’s survey of the humanities as a Department of Political Science and Department of African American Studies double major prepared her to work in research

Students Jimmy Perez Hernandez, Savvy Figueroa, Layla Hashish and Ashley Dominguez helped to collect donated items, which will be provided to Southwood Apartments residents. (Contributed photo)

VCU students help collect sweatshirts and more for local families

Sept. 12, 2025

The recent donation drive connects the classroom to the community, College of Humanities and Sciences organizer says.

VCU announces recipients of 2025 faculty awards for scholarship, teaching excellence

Sept. 10, 2025

Interim Provost Beverly J. Warren today announced 30 winners of VCU’s National/International Recognition Awards and 25 winners of the Excellence in Pedagogical Innovation Awards.