African & Black American Studies

Overview

Throughout history, slavery, colonialism, and imperialism have had a dire impact on Africa and its diasporas, affecting its ability to develop strong, secure governments and economies. But its people are inventing, creating, and working in cutting-edge fields. By pursuing a minor in African and Black American studies (ABAS), you’ll learn sophisticated forms of cultural, historical, and political analysis and how to write and effectively speak about and make sense of African and Black American contributions to history, literature, culture, and politics. You’ll study the rich intellectual, artistic, religious, scientific, and political contributions that African, Black, and Brown people have made to the Americas and to Africa. You will delve into the contributions that Africans and African Americans have made to multiple fields, such as music, literature, film, history, politics, and art.

Although you may wrestle with the difficult history of racism, slavery, and colonialism, you’ll gain a solid understanding of how all people have been affected, regardless of skin color.

Given Africa’s and Black America’s massive, pervasive, and enduring impact on the contemporary world, and given the prominent role of race and ethnicity in political, policy, and other public debates, an understanding of African and Black American culture and history is valuable for almost any career field, such as law, politics, education, journalism, sociology, and business. Adding an ABAS minor to your major is easily accomplished and enhances your education.