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Phillips. M. F. (2025). Black Panther Woman: The Political and Spiritual Life of Ericka Huggins. NYU Press
The first biography of Ericka Huggins, a queer Black woman who brought spiritual self-care practices to the Black Panther Party.
In this groundbreaking biography, Mary Frances Phillips immerses...
Read full story about Phillips. M. F. (2025). Black Panther Woman: The Political and Spiritual Life of Ericka Huggins. NYU Press
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Professor Bobby J Smith II featured in The Guardian| Not Just Dessert: How Sweet Potato Pie Became a Tool of Black American Resistance
In his book Food Power Politics: the Food Story of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement, the sociologist Bobby Smith II explores how food was both weaponized and used as a tool of resistance in the struggle for...
Student Resources
The College of LAS and campus offers a wealth of resources to help students navigate their college journey here at Illinois. Please see the collection of programs, services, and handbooks ava
Freedom Forum: Where Do We Go From Here?
AFRO and BNACC had a an excellent assembly of both students, faculty, and staff for our Freedom Forum event! Its objective was to discuss the meaning of freedom and expansive global visions of Black liberation in light of the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Through an intergenerational...
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Professor Erik McDuffie featured in the Illinois News Bureau for his new book, The Second Battle for Africa
The department of African American Studies is pleased to announce that Dr. McDuffie's new book, The Second Battle for Africa is now available.
The Midwest played a crucial role in the growth of Black freedom movements and in expanding the ideas of political activist Marcus...
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The Humanities Research Institute recognizes professor Eddie O'Byrn, '24-'25 HRI faculty fellow's research
HRI conducted an interview with Dr. Eddie O'Byrn regarding his research as a 2024-2025 HRI faculty fellow. He discusses his current book project Existence Precedes Enslavement, what drives his research, and the impact of the fellowship program.
To find out more, please read the full...
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AFRO's send-off event to celebrate a one-of-a-kind MVP, Dr. Desiree McMillion
The department of African American Studies put together a send-off event on Saturday to celebrate and recognize Dr. Desiree McMillion and all of her contributions to the AFRO unit!AFRO wanted to honor such a decorated and well-respected individual, that not only impacted the AFRO family, but the...
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Sindra Gerdes, Class of 2024
Why African American Studies (AFRO)?
I chose AFRO because I grew up in a small sundown town just a short drive from the University Campus where my identity was called into question...
Read full story about Sindra Gerdes, Class of 2024
Student & Faculty Connection
African American Studies is committed to the develpment and growth of our student. Whether it be through academics or providing extra mentorship, we wish to leave an indelible impact
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McDuffie. E. S. (2024). The Second Battle for Africa: Garveyism, the US Heartland, and Global Black Freedom. Duke University
In The Second Battle for Africa, Erik S. McDuffie establishes the importance of the US Midwest to twentieth-century global Black history, internationalism, and radicalism. McDuffie shows how cities...
Read full story about McDuffie. E. S. (2024). The Second Battle for Africa: Garveyism, the US Heartland, and Global Black Freedom. Duke University