Committed to bringing academic research to the broadest possible audience, the Department of African American Studies believes the deepest understanding of the complex reality of race in America requires an interdisciplinary approach. Our studies within and beyond the university’s walls draw on history, literature, the social sciences, and the arts. Fifty-six percent of our students earn a Bachelor’s degree in African American Studies, while sixteen percent pursue a Master’s degree, another sixteen percent obtain a Certificate, and fourteen percent complete PhD Minors. Our students come from diverse academic backgrounds, ranging from Biochemistry to Studio Arts. Thirteen dedicated faculty members teach approximately 950 students each semester.
How your gifts make an impact
Gifts support funding for graduate student conferences and travel, enabling students to share their research with national audiences and network on a larger scale. Additionally, your support bolsters undergraduate events, such as the department’s 1st Annual Undergraduate Symposium which took place in February 2025 to celebrate Black History Month. Forthcoming, the department will bring filmmaker Kevin Shaw to campus to meet one-on-one with aspiring visual storytellers, screenwriters, and students compelled by cinematography. With your support, the department can continue our annual Night at the Theatre event, a program that allows our students to attend local plays and theatre productions in the Madison community with no additional burden to their budgets. For most students, Night at the Theatre is their first time seeing live theatre. Gifts express your commitment to bolstering resources for our department; we deeply appreciate your support of our mission.
Why we need your support
The continued success of the Department of African American Studies relies on the generosity of our donors to aid our students and faculty, helping them excel in their field via awards, events, travel support, guest lectures, and the purchasing of equipment. The department, since its inauguration in 1970, has been an outgrowth of student concern for Black excellence and relevance in higher education. Fifty-five years later, the department continues to recognize the collective power of community partnerships in organizing and educating to actively seek growth and deliberate change within societies.