Programming & Events


See what’s happening with the African American Studies Program.

The African American Studies program hosts a variety of events throughout the year. We also co-sponsor events with other programs on campus regularly. Most programming and events are open to the community.


Where Black Studies Happens? From Freedom Schools to Higher Education

Upcoming Events - Spring 2026


Intellectual Emancipation: Black Women, Education, and Anti-Blackness in the Jim Crow Era

New Faculty Talk with African American Studies Affiliate Faculty Ashley Dennis, Ph.D.

Ashley Dennis, Ph.D.FREE and open to the public
March 12, 2026, at 5:30 pm
Septima Clark Auditorium
Thaddeus Street, Jr., Education Center, ECTR 118

25 St. Philip Street

 

oin Dr. Ashley D. Dennis for a talk on Black women, education & resistance—March 12 at 5:30 PM, ECTR 118.

 

 

Black History is Not Simply the Study of Black People

African American Studies Spring Lecture with Daniel Black, Ph.D. 

Daniel Black, Ph.D.FREE and open to the public
March 23, 2026, at 6:30 pm
Recital Hall
Albert Simons Center for the Arts
54 St. Philip Street 

 


The Summit

FREE and open to the public
April 4, 2026, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Rita Liddy Hollings Science Center - Auditorium - Room 101
58 Coming Street
Enter on foot via College Way

 

Regular Event Programming


Learn about the details of the African American Studies Program regular event programming.
  • Conseula Francis Emerging Scholar Lecture Series

    Portrait of Conseula FrancisEvery 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.