African American Studies

Mission Statement

The African American Studies Program seeks to provide students with an academic understanding of and a concern for the dignity and rich heritage of the African American experience in the City of Detroit, State of Michigan, United States, Africa and the African Diaspora.  Historical contemporary theories, philosophies, methods of inquiry, scholarly research, and service learning will expose students to the wealth of oral and written history of Africans, African Americans, and Africans in the Diaspora.

This program seeks faculty with knowledge of the African American experience and the willingness of professors to tell the truth about these experiences to persons of all ethnic/racial and cultural backgrounds. In addition, faculty must understand the need for an African-centered and Afrocentric approach to the delivery of this knowledge.

We seek graduates who take pride in their knowledge of the African American heritage. It is our hope that their commitment to this program will aid in the shaping of their role in the community as they promote scholarship, teaching, learning, and proactive service to the study of the African, African American, and African Diaspora experience.

Goal Statement:

African American Studies Program promotes the understanding of the African American, African, and African Diaspora experience by bringing together, activities, events, and interdisciplinary courses where students explore this experience through different scholarly perspectives. In order to do this, the University of Detroit Mercy African American Studies Program:

• Awards a certificate in African American Studies Program
• Supports and encourages existing courses and the creation of new courses on the African American, African, and African Diaspora experience
• Encourages student exploration through scholarship, internships, independent study, and international exchanges
• Develops partnerships and relations within/outside the university that enhances and supports the African American Studies Program