African, African American, and Diaspora (AAAD) Studies Center

In Fall 2022, JMU welcomed a new director of the African, African American, and Diaspora (AAAD) Studies Center, Dr. Delores B. Phillips, who has her faculty appointment as a tenured Associate Professor in English. “It was the welcome I received in my first Africana Studies Workshop that cemented my commitment to AAAD,” Phillips said. “Since then, I’ve learned of the wealth of AAAD’s activities at and beyond JMU and immediately wanted to contribute to its wide-ranging network of courses, study abroad opportunities, conferences, workshops, sister universities, and JMU faculty, staff, students, and community members.”

Student board for the Black Studies, Black Spaces Exhibit.

AAAD provides to the JMU community a wealth of interdisciplinary knowledge, programming, and initiatives related to Black peoples, histories, cultures, languages, economics, philosophies, ideas, and socio-political structures. It is built on the principle of effective interdepartmental cooperation, particularly regarding core curriculum courses on Africa and the African Diaspora. With over 65 affiliated faculty members drawn from a variety of departments and disciplines across campus, AAAD is a force on JMU’s campus.

The next AAAD event is almost here — every February, the program hosts scholars from across the world and across the humanities, social sciences, STEM, the arts, and business, as well as artists and activists at its Annual African, African American, and Diaspora Studies Interdisciplinary Conference. The event offers an energizing opportunity for cross- and inter-disciplinary research exchange, debates, and networking. This year’s conference, which takes place February 1417, 2023, is organized around the themes of “Roots, Limbs, and Leaves” and will use a hybrid format to allow in-person and virtual participation and attendance.

Session during 2019 AAAD Conference in Holland Yates Hall.