Department of Africana Studies

a blue and gold panther flag on campus
What was it like to choose Pitt sight unseen? To live on campus? Teach a class? Three Pitt people reflect on their first year at the University.
Black and white image of Rob Penny sitting at a desk.
The collection comprises approximately 150 boxes, which include correspondence, writing tablets, photographs, scripts, audio and video recordings, awards and more. The acquisition adds to Black voices collections held by the University Library System.
a woman in a blue and gold Pitt shirt smiling broadly
This first-generation college student felt welcomed from the moment she set foot on campus. She’s worked to elevate equity and social justice to make the University community even more welcoming for all. Read more about senior Destiny Harrison-Griffin’s inspiration.
James Huguley in a blue suit and Yolanda Covington-Ward in a blue and black dress
Special honors were given this week to Pitt’s Center on Race and Social Problems and Department of Africana Studies Chair Yolanda Covington-Ward, who led the development of Pitt’s new Anti-Black Racism course.
Gabriella Ogude in a black scarf and tan jacket in front of the Washington Monument
Enhanced security and pandemic precautions limited the number of people at the Inauguration Day proceedings, but Gabriella Ogude was able to see history in the making.
An American flag in the lawn in front of the Cathedral of Learning
As the Biden-Harris presidential transition begins, Pitt experts share their thoughts on racial justice, immigration and other significant issues that face the incoming administration.
Ervin Dyer outdoors in a light blue dress shirt and tie
A pilot program that connects students in an Introduction to Africana Studies course to residents in the Hill District is helping create a bridge from the University to the community.
A person's silhouette looking at an art display
The syllabus, lectures and reading lists from “Anti-Black Racism: History, Ideology, and Resistance” are now available to anyone interested in taking the virtual Pitt course.
A woman in a black T-shirt leans against a green gate
When senior Blya Krouba moved from Ivory Coast to a Philadelphia suburb as a girl, she became acutely aware of her dark skin in a way she hadn’t before. Read about her recent project exploring colorism and hear two Pitt experts’ takes on the phenomenon.