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African American Studies

African American Studies is under Reconstruction

Our Mission: 

The African American Studies Program offers Western Kentucky University an enlarged cultural perspective and increased awareness of the African American experience. The program fosters an understanding of African American culture by

• Offering students an African American Studies Minor, which when viewed from the cross-disciplinary perspective, the African American Studies Minor provides a comprehensive and honest picture of the life and instiutions of American people of African ancestry, and of their role in the development of the United States.
• Sponsoring workshops, open dialogues and activities throughout the academic year that showcase the Afrocentric perspective highlighting the accomplishments of African Americans. 

We want you! 

Western Kentucky University is committed to having a culturally diverse campus community. Our official documents contain such a committment, and our actions reiterate that commitment. We hope that you will join us at this great university. Plan a campus visit and speak with our students. You will come to discover that this is an excellent place for your higher education. We look forward to seeing you on the "Hill"! 

The African American Experience 

When I was growing up during the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements, I can remember my Daddy and elders of the community telling me 'Don't forget your roots; don't forget where you came from'.  Not forgetting our history is exactly the reason we developed the African American Studies program. This program flows from the belief that the story told regarding African Americans is biased and must be reexamined from the standpoint of African people being active agents in the making and telling of their own history, and not as an addendum to American and European history. 

The program examines seven basic subject areas: African American history, religion, social organization, politics, economics, creative production (Black art, music and literature) and psychology. Through an examination of these broad areas, the student can begin an understanding and appreciation of the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the African American experience. 

During the month of February 2008, WKU faculty and students presented the first ever Turkish conference on The Africana Experience that studied Afro-Turks as part of the African diaspora.

Come join us as we explore the history of African Americans. This year, students in AFAM 190 will retrace the steps of run-away slaves during a trip to the Underground Railroad in Ripley, Ohio and to the Freedom Museum in Cincinnati. 

Also, we will be hosting discussions, performances, roundtables, films, and other cultural enterprises here on the "Hill."  

GET READY FOR A FASCINATING JOURNEY!! 

So set your sights on a Study Abroad opportunity.  In the Summer of 2010, The African American Studies Program is planning a trip to Ghana. Contact Program Director, Dr. Saundra Ardrey for more information.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

7:30 P.M.

Capitol Arts Theatre, Downtown Bowling Green