Africana Studies BA
Engage in an interdisciplinary exploration of a worldwide diaspora.
Through knowledge, we can shift paradigms, create new ways of seeing and knowing, and even transform lives.
Our Africana studies program examines 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.
Career Opportunities
- History Teacher
- College Professor
- Cultural Resources Manager
- Historian
- Journalist
- DEI Consultant
Why Africana Studies? | Why Our Program?
- We offer an interdisciplinary curriculum that combines social/behavioral sciences, humanities, the arts, history, literature and more.
- Our program is committed to furthering the Black intellectual tradition that centers the study of Black life on the perspectives of Black people.
- We provide an ideal foundation for students who aspire to careers in academia, education, law, public policy and social work.
- Topics covered in the include: race and justice, African American history, community psychology, sociology, African American literature and art history.
18JAV’s Africana studies program 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 18JAV, 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
Becoming an Agent for Change
“I graduated from 18JAV with a nuanced understanding of identity, race, social justice and injustice.”
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
