The Africana Studies Institute encourages students to take advantage of Experiential Global Learning. We asked one of our Africana Studies majors, Edgar Jarvis, to share his recent trip abroad to London, England. This summer, I have been able to study abroad in London, England, and through my stay there, I have explored the city, experienced British […]
Author: ABC
ASI Hosts Screening of the Film, The Ebony Canal
On March 3, 2026, the Africana Studies Institute screened the Emmy Award-winning documentary, The Ebony Canal. The film explores Black maternal and infant health disparities through interviews with mothers, health practitioners, historians, activists, and celebrities. Narrated by Academy Award Winner Viola Davis with beautiful cinematography and compelling storytelling, The Ebony Canal encourages you to learn […]
Africana Studies Faculty Fund Distributes Four Awards
To support the scholarly and professional development of Africana Studies faculty, Director Evelyn Simien established the ASI Faculty Fund in 2025. The fund provides resources to Africana Studies core faculty for research, manuscript development, course enhancement, event programming, and professional development opportunities. For the 2025-2026 academic year, Fiona Vernal, Deirdre Cooper Owens, Fumilayo Showers, […]
ASI Students’ Post Graduate Plans
The Africana Studies Institute asked the class of 2026 what their plans were after graduation. Tae’Niajha Pullen, an Africana Studies major, will be taking a gap year and will apply to law school for next fall. Following graduation, Karizma (Psychology major and Africana Studies Minor) plans to spend a gap year gaining experience […]
Africana Studies Celebrates Students at the Annual Molette Dinner
The Africana Studies Institute proudly hosted its annual Drs. Barbara and Carlton Molette Scholarship and Awards Dinner on April 9, 2026, recognizing outstanding student achievement, leadership, and service. This year’s event featured inspiring remarks from Mia Miller (Class of 2025), a UConn alumna, and Wiley Dawson, Assistant Director of the Center for Career Readiness and […]
Recent ASI Faculty Achievements and Accomplishments
Several of our faculty are recipients of awards, achievements and promotions in Spring 2026! Africana Studies Faculty are scholars who are consistently on the forefreont of research and scholarship in their respective fields. Alexis Boylan has been appointed the Rhoda Shivers Chair in the School of Fine Arts – The Rhoda Shivers Chair was established […]
Dr. Marketa Burnett Receives the Mentor of the Year Award
Marketa Burnett recently received the SHE WORKS Mentor of the Year Award from LiveGirl. LiveGirl is a Connecticut-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to prepare the next generation of brave women leaders with the skills, mentorship, and opportunities to thrive and make a positive impact. The SHE WORKS program prepares college aged women for the workforce by […]
Ballot and Bash featuring UConn Alumni
In October 2024, UConn Alumni, Dr. Sydney Carr-Glenn, Dr. Leann McLaren, and former USG President and Ph.D. Candidate Mason Holland returned to campus for “Ballot and Bash” to discuss the 2024 Presidential election. Students attending had the opportunity to ask questions, and selected Political Science Honor students had lunch with the three alums to discuss […]
Africana Studies is Now Offering an African Minor
We’re thrilled to share that since 2024, the Africana Studies Institute officially offers the African Minor, previously managed by the Individualized Major Program. This transition reflects our commitment to providing rich, interdisciplinary opportunities for students interested in African history, culture, and contemporary issues. This new development also means that students participating in Experiential Global Learning […]
Africana Studies Minor Alum heading to Brown University
Foluke Akinkunmi ’25 was accepted to Brown University’s School of Public Health to pursue a Master’s in Public Health. Foluke was a Political Science major and an Africana Studies Minor graduating Magna Cum Laude. During her tenure at UConn she is the recipient of several awards; Alan R. Bennett Honors Scholar, UConn Leadership Merit […]