USC African American Studies Program

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USC African American Studies Program African American Studies Department at University of South Carolina Much has changed in the world since 1971.

The interdisciplinary program in African American Studies at USC was established in 1971 to broaden the University's curricular offerings to include analysis of the many aspects of the African American experience, including social, political, religious, artistic, intellectual, and historical. The intervening decades have brought a massive and still-growing body of new scholarship on the life and culture of peoples of African descent in the western world. Increasing public interest in the African American experience has spurred radical changes in popular culture and American society. Greater awareness of black intellectual traditions has enriched current studies. More extensive access to scholarship across the African Diaspora has reconfigured the possibilities for all black scholars. These changes are evident in increased student demand for courses about African American and African Diaspora life and meaning. Today, students of diverse ethnic backgrounds are attracted to the study of another aspect of the American experience. Most often, better-prepared students are those who have knowledge of African American cultures, which enhances job opportunities in the corporate world, the public service arena, and public school education.

VOTE!
10/09/2026

VOTE!

Congratulations, Dr. Melanie Holmes on this beautiful publication!!!
09/29/2026

Congratulations, Dr. Melanie Holmes on this beautiful publication!!!

AbstractThe early twentieth century was mired by systemic Jim Crow racism that affected all facets of life for African Americans. Much of the discrimination experienced among “Negro” men, women, and children in the 1920s was backed by biased research and underscored in public schools. Seeking to...

09/20/2026

AFAM participated in the 48th Annual JUBILEE:Festival of Black History and Culture on Saturday. Thank all our AFAM majors, minors and friends that came out.

Congratulations Dr. Kendall Deas‼️‼️
09/16/2026

Congratulations Dr. Kendall Deas‼️‼️

Kendall Deas, assistant professor of education policy, law and politics in the Department of African American Studies, has been named a 2026 Education Law Scholars Early Career Fellow!

Deas is one of six national scholars selected for the fellowship, which supports emerging education law and policy scholars as they develop their research while receiving mentorship and feedback from other experts in the field.

At USC, Deas researches comparative models for strengthening civic literacy and improving public education. The fellowship will provide an opportunity to further develop his work and engage with education law scholars from across the country.

USC African American Studies Program

Our AFAM JAM was the largest new school year gathering! Students, faculty, and friends attended to mix, mingle, and lear...
09/14/2026

Our AFAM JAM was the largest new school year gathering! Students, faculty, and friends attended to mix, mingle, and learn about AFAM's future events. AFAM was also honored to have a few USC Desegregation Pioneers attend to also welcome our students to a new school year. It was amazing to see students meet USC Black alum from 1971 🤎

Celebrating Tamia Starks, AFAM '26 grad, for sharing her experience when she studied in Japan in 2024. Thanks, Tamia for...
09/14/2026

Celebrating Tamia Starks, AFAM '26 grad, for sharing her experience when she studied in Japan in 2024. Thanks, Tamia for encouraging students to visit USC National Fellowships office. They too might become a Gilman Scholar!

Socialize with fellow AFAM majors, minors, and interested students. Enjoy good music, food, and have fun teaching Dr. Sh...
09/03/2026

Socialize with fellow AFAM majors, minors, and interested students. Enjoy good music, food, and have fun teaching Dr. Shaw the “Boots on the Ground Line Dance” (Dad vibe) 🙂
Learn about AFAM scholarship, internship, and career opportunities. Learn about upcoming AFAM Events.
Join the AFAM Scholars Student Group.

Happy that AFAM was there to help celebrate the 20th Anniversary of South Carolina Council for African American Studies ...
08/22/2026

Happy that AFAM was there to help celebrate the 20th Anniversary of South Carolina Council for African American Studies (SCCAAS). Congratulations SCCAAS for enriching teachers from all over South Carolina!

AFAM Faculty gathered today for our new year retreat. Great plans for this school year.
08/22/2026

AFAM Faculty gathered today for our new year retreat. Great plans for this school year.

This summer course will be taught by Drs. Todd Shaw and Nancy Tolson.
06/27/2026

This summer course will be taught by Drs. Todd Shaw and Nancy Tolson.

Address

817 Henderson Street
Columbia, SC
29201

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+18037777248

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