Programming & Events

Regular Event Programming

• Conseula Francis Emerging Scholar Lecture Series

  Every school year, the African American Studies program invites a young scholar to present their fresh and fascinating research to the campus community. The series was created by Professor Conseula Francis (1973-2016), the first African American Studies program director. She wanted to encourage and assist new scholars in the field of African American Studies. Professor Francis was not only a champion for her students, but she also dedicated herself to mentoring and supporting young faculty members. In honor of her unwavering dedication to our program and the work of junior scholars, we have named this lecture series after her. 

• African American Artist Lecture Series

  The Artist Lecture Series is a special event that honors the importance of artistic expression. We invite artists from various backgrounds to showcase their art and provide us with valuable insights into how art can be a way of communicating about society. The lectures in this series are inspired by the words of writer Ralph Ellison about music, “it gives significance to all those indefinable aspects of experience which nevertheless help to make us what we are…reminding us of what we were and of that toward which we aspire.” 

• African American Studies Film Series

  The African American Studies program organizes a film series each February. The film series focuses on specific themes associated with the program’s annual theme. It is a great opportunity for the public to explore and learn more about these important topics. This event is free and open to the public. 

• African American Book Discussion Series

  The African American Studies Book Discussion Series brings together College of Charleston faculty, staff, and students to have informal discussions about significant texts in the field of African American Studies. We select one book to discuss each semester and provide a limited number of copies of books to participants.