Journey: Newsletter of the African American Studies Department
UH researchers unpacking disparities in Black maternal health
Assistant Professor Neema Langa is spearheading new research into the living, working and social conditions that shape maternal health outcomes among Black women in the United States. Due to systemic disparities in access to health care and quality care received, Black women are the demographic most affected by this national healthcare crisis.
Inaugural African American Studies program preps Houston highschoolers for excellence
Thirteen students from Houston-area high schools participated in the inaugural Emerge Leadership Academy (ELA), a summer program hosted by the University of Houston Department of African American Studies. The free, two-week program brought students from the Greater Houston area together on campus, ensuring their college readiness and deepening their knowledge about African American culture.
Symposium to Examine Maternal Health of Black Women
In conjunction with Black Maternal Health Week, the University of Houston Department of African American Studies presents the “Diminishing Inequalities in Maternal Health in Africa and the USA” symposium on Monday, April 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Student Center South, Downtown Room.
Alumni Spotlight: Crayton Gerst (’21)
Crayton Gerst recounts his artistic journey, transforming videography and photography skills learned at church into a successful freelance career. Utilizing his love for creative storytelling, Crayton finds his voice through projects across Texas, New York and Los Angeles, learning not only what speaks to him but who he is in the process.
Biography by African American Studies Department chair reaches PROSE Award finals
Tara T. Green, CLASS Distinguished Professor and chair of the Department of African American Studies, has been named a finalist in the Association of American Publishers (AAP) 47th Annual PROSE Awards. Evaluated by a 25-judge panel, her 2022 book “Love, Activism, and the Respectable Life of Alice Dunbar-Nelson” held its weight against other humanities projects from around the nation.
African American studies hosts hip hop legend Bun B, promising ‘more to come’
On Oct. 20, rap legend Bernard James “Bun B” Freeman joined University of Houston Department of African American Studies (AAS) Chair Tara T. Green in a vivid conversation about hip hop's influence on Black culture, religious parallels and much more.
Tribble joins AAS as the newest Student Ambassador
Join us in congratulating Andrea Tribble as she becomes the newest student ambassador for the Department of African American Studies. Read more about Andrea here.
Tara T. Green joins CLASS as founding chair of African American Studies Department
Effective Aug. 1, Tara T. Green begins her tenure as the founding chair and CLASS distinguished professor of the department of African American studies at the University of Houston. This historic appointment is the latest in a series of major developments for the program, which launched a large scholarship endowment and earned departmental status soon after marking its 50th anniversary.
Neema Langa joins African American Studies and Sociology as Presidential Frontier Faculty
Neema Langa is an assistant professor of Sociology. She is a joint faculty member in the Sociology and the African American Studies Departments. Her research uses quantitative methodologies to examine structural forces contributing to heterogeneity in healthcare utilization and health outcomes among African and African American women in underserved communities.
UH African American Studies Program Granted Departmental Status
Two years after celebrating its 50th anniversary, the African American Studies (AAS) Program at the University of Houston College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) has been formally elevated to a degree-granting department.
Reed Named as Interim Director of the UH African American Studies Program
The University of Houston College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) is pleased to announce associate professor of history Linda Reed, Ph.D., as interim director of the African American Studies (AAS) program.
Making and Teaching History
Studying the Black experience and its impact on society – and society’s impact on it – may help stem the tide of racism, but its goal, through the African American Studies (AAS) program at the University of Houston, is to even the historical playing field.
CLASS Mourns the Loss of One of its Own - Dr. James L. Conyers, Director of the African American Studies Program
A valued member of the UH community for nearly 20 years, Professor Conyers’ legacy will live on. James Conyers passed away on Monday, January 25, 2021.
New African American Studies Scholarship Honors Houston-Area Social Justice Leader
The University of Houston College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) is proud to announce that Director of African American Studies James L. Conyers, Jr., Ph.D., has established the William Alexander Lawson Social Justice Scholarship Endowment. This scholarship honors the remarkable legacy of civil rights advocacy and social justice activism that Rev. Lawson has built over seven decades as one of Houston’s most influential civic and religious leaders.
African American Studies Program Marks 50th Anniversary with New Bachelor of Arts Degree
The UH College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) is pleased to announce that undergraduate students will have the option to declare a major in African American Studies beginning in the Fall 2019 semester. The addition of a Bachelor of Arts degree in African American Studies (AAS) coincides with the 50th anniversary of the program and reflects growing interest from students and faculty in the study of black culture throughout space and time.
