‘African American and Diaspora Studies’
Unsung Stories: Revealing the History of Black Country Music
Mar. 2, 2023—Alice Randall, Andrew W. Mellon Chair in the Humanities and writer-in-residence of African American and Diaspora Studies, discusses the untold stories of Black country music in Nashville and its roots that stretch back more than 100 years ago.
Erin B. Logan BA’17: From Vanderbilt Scholar to White House Reporter
Nov. 19, 2021—Google CEO Sundar Pichai once stated, “A diverse mix of voices leads to better discussions, decisions, and outcomes for everyone.” Erin B. Logan, BA’17, is a shining example of this as she gives voice to often unheard perspectives as a White House reporter covering The Biden-Harris administration for The Los Angeles Times. As she covers some...
A&S faculty reflect on the importance of Juneteenth
Jun. 19, 2021—Today, June 19, marks 156 years since Union Army General Gordon Granger proclaimed freedom from slavery in the state of Texas—the last state where the Emancipation Proclamation was enforced. At the time, an estimated 250,000 people were still enslaved in Texas. What began as an annual celebration in Texas’ Black community has grown to become...
Tiffany Ruby Patterson: Raising the voices of the unheard
Feb. 17, 2021—From a young age, Associate Professor of African American and Diaspora Studies Tiffany Ruby Patterson loved to learn. She read voraciously throughout her childhood: a set of World Book encyclopedias purchased by her uncle, an entire library left behind by the former owner of her family’s apartment building. That early love of books continued into...
Professor uses centuries-old martial arts form to educate students about Brazilian democracy
Sep. 15, 2020—On a hot, muggy August evening, a group of masked students followed Gilman Whiting, associate professor of African American and Diaspora Studies, onto the lawn in front of Wilson Hall. There, they took up socially distanced positions and began working their way through a series of exercises designed to encourage rhythm, flexibility, balance, and cooperation....
Resources for Engaging With the Spirit of Juneteenth
Jun. 19, 2020—On June 19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger declared to the state of Texas—the Confederacy’s western frontier—that “all slaves are free.” June 19, shortened to “Juneteenth,” quickly became an annual day of celebration for Texas’s black community. By the 1920s, it had spread around the country, and in 1979, the tradition came full-circle as...
College of Arts and Science Faculty Elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Jun. 2, 2020—Two members of the College of Arts and Science faculty—Distinguished University Professor Houston A. Baker and University Distinguished Professor George Hornberger—have been elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences (AAAS). Founded in 1780 by John Adams and John Hancock, among others, the AAAS has previously elected luminaries and leaders such as Benjamin Franklin,...