Student News

AFAM celebrates the work of the following scholarship recipients.

“For me, it is important to focus on my involvement in the African American Studies department in order to not only understand and appreciate the intricacies and history of being black, but also how I can use this knowledge to best serve my clients in the field of social work. It is so essential to make genuine connections as a counselor or therapist, which includes being able to understand how cultural and racial/ ethnic backgrounds influence one’s daily life and identity. I also feel a growing responsibility to be educated on these topics, particularly in our current political climate.” –Danielle Teixiera, recipient of the John B. and Ida Slaughter Fellowship

“The focus on African American studies is important because misogynoir is the axis upon which this world turns. Engaging with the histories and plights of black people, especially those most marginalized within the community, is a necessary step towards liberation for everyone.” –Joy Anyanwu, recipient of the John B. and Ida Slaughter Fellowship

“I chose to focus on African American Studies to make a difference in my community. My AASP courses have given me the tools to be an advocate for my race and facilitate change for future generations.” –Isaiah Griffith, recipient of the John B and Ida Slaughter Fellowship “My name is Taylor-Simone Johnson and I will be the recipient of the Dr. Rhonda M. Williams Undergraduate Scholarship Award. I chose to major in African American Studies because I felt it pertinent to learn more about the Black experience in America, outside of my own, and the history that comes with it. As this country becomes more culturally aware each day, I took it upon myself to do the work that is necessary to be apart of this change. Furthermore, after my academic career is complete, I intend on utilizing everything that I have learned and continue to fight for equity.” –Taylor-Simon Johnson, recipient of the Dr. Rhonda M. Williams Graduate Fellow Fund

“In my undergraduate education, it was important for me to focus on African American Studies because elementary and secondary education in the U.S. does a poor job of teaching Black History, and I aspire to create racially equitable public policies. My African American Studies education was paramount to my understanding of the rich and complex history of the Black community, full of culture, resilience, beauty, and humanity; the more I learned, the more I realized how much change is needed to dismantle systemic racism. It is imperative for me to understand the history and present systems that oppress Black people in the U.S., as I aim to work alongside others to address the racial disparities plaguing our society.” –Mira Morgan, recipient of the Dr. Rhonda M. Williams Undergraduate Scholarship

Student News Student Researchers

“In the American school system, prior to entering a higher education, African American Studies is unfortunately neglected or often misinterpreted. Recognizing the importance of African American Studies inspires me to focus and prioritize it in my education, especially as a student on the pre law track. Above all, focusing on African American studies allows for both the recognition and understanding of past and present social, political, economical and racial issues.”–Chaviva Nicholas, recipient of the Veronica Coates Scholarship Fund in the Department of African American Studies

“As a Black studies scholar, this field has given me pause and disruption. Yet, at the same time, Black studies continue to heal, energize and enliven me, my memory, and my imagination in ways previously incomprehensible. I remember and I believe when the freedom of all Black people is actualized and realized, it will alchemize the rest of the world.” –Katelin Ten, recipient of the Alford Family Current-Use Scholarship in Honor of Val Skeeter

The department recognizes the work of the following student researchers.

Kelechukwu Ahulamibe, Undergraduate Student, Kinesiology on the Pre-Medical Track – The Diverse Black Families Project, Dr. Cecily Hardaway Melinda Davies-Cole, Undergraduate Student, Public Health Science – JAMO, Dr. Sangeetha Madhavan Max Harnack-Eber, PhD Candidate, Department of Economics – JAMO, Dr. Sangeetha Madhavan Erica Puentes Martinez , Alumni, Department of African American Studies –Mellon Diaspora, Dr. Sharon Harley Sarah Scriven, PhD Candidate, Black Women’s Studies, Feminist Intellectual History – Mellon Diaspora, Dr. Sharon Harley Fatima Seck, PhD Candidate, Comparative Literature – Conversations in Atlantic Theory, Dr. John Drabinski

John Smith, Alumnus and Faculty Assistant, Psychology and African American Studies – RWJF, Dr. Oscar Barbarin

Seung Wan Kim, PhD Candidate, Department of Sociology – JAMO, Dr. Sangeetha Madhavan