African American Studies
We examine the history of people of African descent from the colonial period through the present. This includes studying racial inequality and social movements and exposing students to the ideas, institutions, and practices that African-American peoples have used to survive and shape the modern world.
Our multidisciplinary program draws upon expertise in the College of the Liberal Arts and Penn State at large while remaining a close-knit family that brings together students, faculty, staff, and the broader African-American community.
Meet Adriana Lacy
Alumna Adriana Lacy combined her African American Studies major with her interest in journalism to start The Underground, a student news organization that covers Penn State through a multicultural lens. She’s currently a freelance journalist, audience strategist and journalism professor.
Meet Adriana Lacy
Alumna Adriana Lacy combined her African American Studies major with her interest in journalism to start The Underground, a student news organization that covers Penn State through a multicultural lens. She’s currently a freelance journalist, audience strategist and journalism professor.
Meet Brian Anthony Davis
Alumnus Brian Anthony Davis made the most of his time at Penn State. He was a member of the University’s Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity, gave a TEDxPSU talk, and received a Rock Ethics Institute Stand Up Award — just to name a few of his achievements. "I would give most of the credit for my success to the African American Studies department— all of my professors there are my mentors, every single one of them," said Davis.
Meet Brian Anthony Davis
Alumnus Brian Anthony Davis made the most of his time at Penn State. He was a member of the University’s Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity, gave a TEDxPSU talk, and received a Rock Ethics Institute Stand Up Award — just to name a few of his achievements. "I would give most of the credit for my success to the African American Studies department— all of my professors there are my mentors, every single one of them," said Davis.
Latest News
3 months ago
Ray Block is Senior Research Advisor for the African American Research Collaborative. Dr. Block has led research design for AARC on a range of polls, including research involving elections, health policy, and African Americans’ policy goals.
The AARC's expert team is made up of pollsters, scholars, researchers, and commentators with 30 years of expertise in polling, African American political behavior, and everyday issues that impact us all, such as the economy, housing, civil rights, policing, jobs, grassroots organizing and social justice.
Providing high quality research on African American polling behavior and the skill to interpret that research is their top priority.
8 months ago
Cynthia Young, associate professor of African American Studies and English, recently shared her expertise in the Yahoo News article "Critics say Mastriano’s pledge to make Pennsylvania citizens reregister to vote is aimed squarely at Black Americans".
9 months ago
Support the Department of African American Studies in the College of the Liberal Arts with an award in memory of Yaayaa-Maria Hunt, a 2016 alumna.