The Been Ya (Been Here) College of Charleton African American Studies Society

Group photo of ten people arranged in two rows in front of shelves and a wall covered with posters and framed prints. The background includes readable posters and flyers with text such as “Afrofuturism,” “Spring 2020 Film Festival,” “Hip Hop at 50,” and a framed poster featuring Angela Davis, creating an academic or cultural office setting.

Officers of the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 beenYa Executive Board. Top row, L-R: T. Priestly, K. Singleton, K. Wooden, E. Meade. Bottom row, L-R: S. Kryshtalowych, E. Wahdan, C. Hassell, J. Conyers

beenYa’s mission is to promote the awareness of African American Studies at the College of Charleston by acting as an immersive bridge between African American Studies and the applied practice of the discipline, including strengthening connections between faculty and students, campus and community, and curriculum and careers, to solidify the relationship between the past, present, and future of African American Studies.

As a student-led organization, beenYa works to bridge these gaps through co-curricular education, community outreach, and professional development aimed to equip majors, minors, and general enthusiasts with the knowledge, skills, and values through African American Studies to be organizers, advocates, and changemakers in their communities and society.