African American and African Studies

First-Generation Student Finds Niche, Discovers Value of MSU Education

April 27, 2022

College wasn’t always an end goal for Gabby Riley. While her paternal grandmother was a role model as a long-time teacher in Detroit Public Schools and a graduate of Howard University, her parents didn’t follow the same collegiate path. As a student of Renaissance High School in Detroit, Riley didn’t view herself as college-bound, but quickly changed her mind after…

African American and African Studies / News / Programs / Student

MSU Education Inspires Graduating Senior to Pursue Social and Cultural Change

April 21, 2022

When the COVID-19 pandemic prompted Michigan State University to switch to remote learning, Jamia Henry went home to Detroit to attend classes online and to be with her mom who was not in good health. Her mom soon passed away and Henry went through a bout of depression. Despite everything, Henry resolved to finish school and make her mother proud.…

African American and African Studies / Diversity, Equity and Inclusion / Faculty / Faculty / News

MSU African American and African Studies ‘Unicorns’ Drive Black Futures Beyond Survival Into Wellness

April 11, 2022

The Department of African American and African Studies (AAAS) was initially founded as a Ph.D. granting program in 2002. On July 1, 2019, AAAS became a department. In Spring 2020, MSU appointed Ruth Nicole Brown the inaugural chair.

African American and African Studies / Diversity, Equity and Inclusion / Faculty / News / Programs / Student / Student / Uncategorized

New BA Degree in African American and African Studies Now Offered at MSU

March 29, 2022

For the first time in Michigan State University history, undergraduate students can major in African American and African Studies. This semester, MSU’s College of Arts & Letters launched the Bachelor of Arts degree in African American and African Studies through the Department of African American and African Studies (AAAS) that was founded in February 2019. Ruth Nicole Brown, AAAS Professor…

African American and African Studies / Grant / News / Student

CREATE! Micro-Grant Winner Explores Personal Hardships and Experiences Through Mixed Media Piece

February 23, 2022

As a transgender individual growing up in a homophobic household, the hardships endured by Mike Gardner created lasting emotional scars, which now serve as inspiration for art and a piece created with support from a $500 CREATE! Micro-Grant.

African American and African Studies / Alumni / Event / Faculty / Faculty / News

Faculty Voice: Our Continuous Movement

February 11, 2022

In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black Studies, initiated the first “Negro History Week,” which would evolve into Black History Month here in the United States in 1976. For many people, it is an important commemoration of the long-standing contributions of African Americans in this country.

African American and African Studies / Faculty / Faculty / News / Programs / Staff

Sonic Introductions Reflect Love of Self, Community, and AAAS

February 4, 2022

The Department of African American and African Studies (AAAS) faculty wish to motivate and inspire others by sharing, through personally created Sonic Introductions, what inspires them in their work and personal life. These Sonic Introductions can be found on the AAAS website and consist of audio clips from interviews combined with music and ambient sounds, all selected to showcase what…

African American and African Studies / Diversity, Equity and Inclusion / Student

Student Driven by Passion for Black History, Aspires to Help Community

January 26, 2022

Morgan Braswell said she is not the first in her family to attend college. But she is the first to stay the course. A sophomore, Braswell expects to graduate from Michigan State University in 2024 with her bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She’s also on track to complete a second major in African American and African Studies. It’s a scholarly path that…