African American Studies

Welcome to African American Studies!

We offer both a major and a minor in African American Studies, focusing on the exploration of African American experiences. Our goal is to help you understand the rich history and culture of African Americans. Through various disciplines, we introduce students to the Black experience domestically and abroad. We also promote the study of African American history and culture beyond the campus engaging with the larger Charleston community. This creates space for the African American Studies Program to be an integral part of intellectual life at the College of Charleston.

Students who study African American Studies can pursue careers in a wide range of fields. These fields include law, politics, medicine, art, teaching, entertainment and journalism. The knowledge and skills you gain will help you make meaningful contributions and excel in whatever professional path you choose.

More About the Program

Word Art - African American Studies College of Charleston — Word Art - African American Studies

Promotional flyer for an academic event hosted by the College of Charleston’s African American Studies Program. The title reads “Intellectual Emancipation: Black Women, Education, and Anti-Blackness in the Jim Crow Era.” It features a photo of Dr. Ashley D. Dennis, the speaker, alongside an illustration of two Black women reading books. The background includes handwritten text referencing historical themes. Event details: 5:30 PM, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in the Septima P. Clark Auditorium, ECTR 118. — Join Dr. Ashley D. Dennis for a talk on Black women, education & resistance—March 12 at 5:30 PM, ECTR 118.

A black event flyer announcing a talk by Daniel Black, Ph.D., titled “Where Black Studies Happens: From Freedom Schools to Higher Education.” Includes the line “Black History is Not Simply the Study of Black People,” sponsor names, March 24, 2026 event details at the Recital Hall, and a section labeled “Livestream” above a QR code — AAST Spring Lecture Flyer

Fist with words not just in February — African American Studies - Not Just in February!

Photograph of Dr. Kameelah Martin, an African-American woman standing in front of several bookshelves.

Research and Social Justice in Action

Kameelah Martin, professor of African American Studies and English at the College of Charleston, received the 2024-25 US-UK Fulbright Global Challenges Teaching Award – Racial Justice for her course, Ancestries of Enslavement.

GCTA is bridging the gap

Black and White Photograph of Afro-American Students in a classroom.

Desegregating the College

Desegregation of the College of Charleston exhibit is now live on Lowcountry Digital History Initiative. Originally curated by Dr. Mari N. Crabtree, Ph.D., as a physical exhibit, the Desegregation of the College of Charleston exhibit was on display in the Addlestone Library rotunda in 2016.

Desegregating CofC