College of Arts and Sciences
University of South Carolina
African American Studies
Meet our Alum
The African American Studies Program provides undergraduate majors and
minors with interdisciplinary tools and resources to study the experiences
of people of African descent and to evaluate black historical, cultural, social, economic and political developments in South Carolina, the South, the
United States, and beyond. A bachelor’s degree in African American Studies
from USC provides excellent preparation for graduate studies, professional
degrees in law and journalism, and careers in education, politics, health
care, social work, tourism, business, non-profit management, and more.
“A common misconception is that you have to be black to study AFAM.
At the heart of AFAM is an interdisciplinary and nuanced approach. It is
a program that challenges you to bridge together different disciplines and
methods. You learn to see history and literature not only from a different
perspective, but in a new and vital way. This contextual understanding is
critical for all who want to be global citizens, because it prompts you to
pull back layers and gain new language, a new vision of our shared world
and histories.”
Hakeem Jefferson (Class of ‘11)
”I knew when I came to USC that I was going to major in
political science, and become a high-powered attorney,” explained Hakeem Jefferson. But as is often the case, plans
change once you become fully immersed in college life.
Two professors: Drs. Bobby Donaldson and Todd Shaw,
kept Hakeem on the edge of his seat in class, and before long
he was inspired to become a college professor. Shaw also helped Hakeem
conduct undergraduate research on the 2008 presidential election, which
turned into a co-authored research publication. This prepared Hakeem to
ask tough questions and find answers as he pursues his graduate degree.
Assistant Professor, English and AFAM
Hakeem has long been inspired by the intersection of race and politics. He
is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in political science at Dr. Shaw’s alma mater,
University of Michigan. His interests include American Political Institutions, focusing mainly on Congress and the courts as well as how decision
making models take into account politics and race. Hakeem looks forward
to publishing scholarly work that is accessible and relatable so that people
will know how to apply it to their daily life.
Michael Boynton (Class of ‘03)
Amartha Ogburu (Class of ‘12)
Dr. Folashadé Alao
In August of 2000 I left my Brooklyn, NY home as an 18
year old with questions about my place in the world. In
December 2003, with the guidance of great professors in the
AFAM department, I had answers. A terrific group of men;
Dr. Cleveland Sellers, Dr. Bobby Donaldson, Dr. Kwame
Dawes, Dr. Todd Shaw, and Dr. Chris Leevy Johnson played
a pivotal role in my development.
Another professor, Dr. Valinda Littlefield, taught me great lessons both
academically and socially. Their commitment to being not only teachers,
but also mentors who wanted me to think outside the box and set goals
I never thought would be achievable, was vital to my growth into being
a man and, something that I will forever cherish. Many of the decisions
I make today are a direct result of conversations that I shared with these
mentors; conversations that we shared long after our class time expired. I
appreciate the AFAM program for molding me into a positive contributor
to society and will forever feel proud of my experience.
Michael is currently the Director of Student Athlete Development at the
University of South Carolina.
artsandsciences.sc.edu/afra/
The University of South Carolina is an equal opportunity institution.
It was an honor to receive the Dr. Grace Jordan McFadden
Scholarship sponsored by the African American Studies Program. I received this scholarship for my academic achievements and my commitment to leadership and service.
Through this scholarship, I was given the unique opportunity
to pursue an endeavor that I never thought was possible: studying abroad.
I was able to travel to Poland, Lithuania, and Germany on a summer study
abroad trip, where I studied the Holocaust. We visited places where Jews
were either displaced or completely annihilated by the Nazi regime. My
understanding of the consequences of racism and the need to prevent mass
murder has forever changed because of this scholarship.
Amartha is currently pursuing her M.D at the Medical University of South
Carolina.