Originally established as an academic division in October 1969 as Black Studies, it is a proud product of the 1960's Black freedom movement.The department achieved formal department status in 1972. Today, it enjoys the reputation of being one of the strongest African American and African Studies programs in the nation.

The department's primary mission is:

  • To stimulate teaching and research about the Black experience in the United States, Africa and throughout the African Diaspora.
  • To encourage students and others to assess various strategies for advancing human progress through the examination of the global struggle for Black freedom.

Our courses are taught by more than 18 full-time faculty members who each hold the doctoral degree in their respective disciplines.