Accolades go to Dr. Erik S. McDuffie, associate professor for both the Department of African American Studies and History, who has been recognized for several faculty honors: received 2025 Campus Distinguished Promotion Award; named Dean's Distinguished Professorial Scholar for the 2025-2026...

 Prof. Bobby J. Smith II had the pleasure of hosting the annual senior thesis research symposium.  This year's research topic focused on "(Re) Evaluating the Black Experience", where 8 students presented their final work: Zoe Howard, Tommy Pettie, Vans Smallwood, Faith Lee, Nyx...

On February 18, 2025 the department of African American Studies hosted a "Hot Chocolate and Donuts" social.  The social hour was a time for faculty and AFRO's majors and minors students to mingle in order to build community.   

Prof. Sundiata Cha-Jua was featured in an Illinois Public News article where he was interviewed about police misconduct in Champaign County. "CHAMPAIGN — In 2009, the fatal shooting of a teenager by a Champaign Police officer sparked calls for change in the years that followed...

Professor Esther Ndumi Ngumbi featured in NPR (opinion; Washington, D.C.) on the role her mother played in life and career."I want you to study hard so that you can rescue our family from poverty. Your father and I are poor and the only gift we can give you is an education. You are intelligent....

On 3/28 and 3/29 Dr. Eddie O'Byrn had the incredible opportunity to be a part of a critical theory symposium on the philosophy, theory, and praxis of Angela Davis. The symposium was held at Penn State, only five speakers were invited, Davis herself gave the introductory keynote, she was present on...

 Arts and Humanities editor, Jodi Heckel, of the IL News Bureau interviewed Dr. Mary Phillips about her new book, "Black Panther Woman: The Political and Spiritual Life of Ericka Huggins."  An excerpt from the story (originally published on 3/4/25): "CHAMPAIGN, Ill. —...

 The Department of African American Studies is excited to announce professor Krystal Smalls has transitioned from an affiliate faculty member to a core member!  A bit of background on Dr. Smalls research; "I study the semiosis of race in young people's lives by conducting...

 The Department of African American Studies is pleased to announce our newest addition to the faculty!  We welcome associate professor, Dr. Mary Phillips to the team to further our commitment to excellence in teaching and research.In her work on women's history, Dr. Mary Frances Phillips...