Africana Studies BA
An interdisciplinary exploration of a worldwide diaspora.
Africana Studies produces knowledge for the empowerment of Black people and advances the cause of transformative racial justice.
Africana Studies is the study of the historical, social, political, cultural, literary, artistic, and intellectual development of the African Diaspora, preparing students for a range of professional, academic, advocacy, and community development careers.
Just a Few Future Possibilities
- History teacher
- College professor
- Cultural resources manager
- Historian
- Journalist
- DEI consultant
Why Africana Studies? | Why Our Program?
- Interdisciplinary curriculum combines social/behavioral sciences, humanities, the arts, history, literature, and more.
- Bachelor of Arts program is committed to furthering the Black intellectual tradition that centers the study of Black life from the perspectives of Black people.
- Provides an ideal foundation for students who aspire to careers in academia, education, law, public policy, and social work.
- Topics covered in the Africana Studies BA curriculum include: Race and justice; African American history; community psychology; sociology; African American literature; art history.
RIC’s Africana Studies programs is one of the oldest Black studies programs in New England.
Our Africana Studies Faculty
Dr. Sadhana Bery
- Assistant Professor
Dr. Sherri Cummings
- Assistant Professor
Hear from a Student
Charina Herrera
"Without the Africana Studies Program at RIC, I would not be where I am today. It created a paradigm shift in me, where it became clear that none of us will be free until all of us are free. The program gave me the foundation and the inspiration to continue to love, to study and to struggle."
– Africana Studies Major
Take the Next Step!
Arts and Sciences
The Faculty of Arts and Sciences is a community of scholars that pride themselves on academic excellence, diversity and service.
- emailDeanFAS@ric.edu
- phone401-456-8106
- placeGaige Hall
