AAS Presentation

African American Studies Program: 

1 African American Studies Program The University of Alabama at Birmingham

What is African American Studies?: 

2 What is African American Studies? The critical and systematic study of the philosophy, practices, experiences, and cultures of African- ancestored peoples. We emphasize: Critical analysis Systematic thinking

African American Studies (AAS): 

3 African American Studies (AAS) Provides a rewarding learning experience. Encourages students to become broadly informed about Africana Studies by analyzing and synthesizing knowledge from a wide variety of sources.

Why consider a major in African American Studies?: 

4 Why consider a major in African American Studies? It helps us to understand a broader range of cultural perspectives on the human condition. It enables us to comprehend differences in language, culture, ethnicity, race, economics, and politics. It makes us aware of our global connections. It documents the outstanding contributions of African and African-descended groups in historical and contemporary contexts. It gives us a sense of dignity and pride in the world community.

Precursors of African American Studies: 

5 Precursors of African American Studies Students enrolled in the African American Studies Program will have instructors who are committed: To motivate To educate To inspire AAS Students are exposed to works of eminent figures who laid the foundation for modern AAS.

AAS Curriculum Objectives: 

6 AAS Curriculum Objectives To identify and describe the cultures of African-descended peoples in the major geographic regions of the world. To outline and highlight the cultural impact of Africa on the development of civilizations in Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Australia. To express both orally and in writing informed viewpoints on a variety of disciplines related to African-ancestored groups around the world. To enumerate the seven core areas of African American Studies, which include history, religion, psychology, sociology, art, politics, and economics. To examine and outline related multiple careers falling under broad categories including, but not limited to, the following: Arts and Humanities, Business, Education, Engineering & Technology, Medicine, Natural Sciences & Mathematics, and Social & Behavioral Sciences To facilitate awareness of the most serious medical and public health care disparities experienced by global African communities. To improve the quality of life by serving African-descended communities where AIDS and STD’s, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, sickle cell anemia, and high infant mortality are found in epidemic proportions.

Modern Practitioners of African American Studies: 

7 Modern Practitioners of African American Studies Scholars like Dr. Curtis L. Patton (from Birmingham, Alabama), who is the former head of the Division of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases at Yale University and who is now retired, prepare medical students to address health problems facing the African American population by teaching them about African American attitudes towards medicine and the cultural practices specific to those communities.

What can be accomplished with a B.A degree in African American Studies?: 

8 What can be accomplished with a B.A degree in African American Studies? Dr. Curtis L. Patton stands next to a portrait of Dr. Edward Alexander Bouchet, who was a member of the Class of 1874 at Yale University and who received his Ph.D. in physics from Yale in 1876. Dr. Bouchet was the first African American scholar to be inducted into Phi Beta Kappa., a national honor society at prestigious universities. At a time when African American people were being lynched, deprived of their voting rights, hungry and poor, Dr. Bouchet shone like a beacon of hope as he stood “facing the rising sun of our new day begun,” and as he “marched on till victory [was] won.” Any career is possible with a B.A. in African American Studies (see next slide).

Prospective Careers for AAS Majors : 

9 Prospective Careers for AAS Majors Anthropologist Archivist Attorney Chemist Creative Writer Director of Human Resources Economist/Entrepreneur Educator Engineer/Inventor Ethno-botanist Family/Marital Counselor Financial Consultant Forensic Analyst Historian Journalist/Broadcaster Law Enforcement Officer Librarian Museum Curator Physician/Nurse Politician/Statesman Psychiatrist/Psychologist Sociologist/Social Worker U.S. Ambassador/Diplomat U.S. Armed Forces Urban Planner/Surveyor Urban Policy Analyst *Many of these professions will require advanced degrees.

Marc H. Morial: 

10 Marc H. Morial B.A. in African American Studies University of Pennsylvania B.A. in Economics University of Pennsylvania J.D., Georgetown University Former Mayor of New Orleans, Louisiana President and CEO of the National Urban League Attorney with Adams and Reese, LLP

Yolanda King11/171955 – 05/15/2007: 

11 Yolanda King 11/171955 – 05/15/2007 B.A. in African American Studies, Smith College M.A. in Theatre New York University Actress Author of Open My Eyes, Open My Soul Founder & CEO of Higher Ground Productions Renowned actress and producer

Elias Hendricks: 

12 Elias Hendricks B.A. in History Clark College B.A. in Psychology Clark College M.A. in African History University of Ghana MBA, Pace University in NYC Former Bell South Executive Proprietor of Wee Care Academy

Angela Bassett: 

13 Angela Bassett B.A. in African American Studies, Yale University M.A. in Drama Yale University Actress Golden Globe Award for Best Actress 1994 Oscar Nominee for the movie What’s Love Got to Do with It.

Aaron McGruder: 

14 Aaron McGruder B.A. in African American Studies University of Maryland-College Park Creator of the nationally-syndicated comic strip, “The Boondocks”

Dr. Mae C. Jemison: 

15 Dr. Mae C. Jemison B.A. in African American Studies, Stanford University B.S. in Chemical Engineering Stanford University M.D., Cornell University Former medical missionary in West Africa First African American female astronaut Founder and President of two medical technology companies

Curtis Ballard: 

16 Curtis Ballard AAS Graduate (Fall 2005) Contractor for Cornerstone Solutions, Inc. and recruiter and admissions person for the Job Corps program Volunteer for the P.R.O.P.E.L Mentoring program for young men in Birmingham Prospective candidate for a PhD. in Medical Sociology at UAB (2008)

Michelle Craig: 

17 Michelle Craig First African American Studies Graduate (2001) Project Facilitator, Birmingham Cultural Alliance Project (BCAP) at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) BCAP is an after-school program that promotes both cultural and academic enrichment in underserved areas

Kim Rutley: 

18 Kim Rutley AAS Graduate (Spring 2005), Cum laude Charge Nurse, Palliative & Comfort Care Unit UAB Hospital Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Candidate for a Master’s degree in Health Education at UAB (Specialty in African American health care disparities, i.e., obesity in African American women) Volunteer, Sisterbration and UAB 1917 Clinic UAB Study Abroad scholarship recipient to Ghana (2004)

Reashanda Prevo White: 

19 Reashanda Prevo White AAS Graduate (Fall 2005) Education Coordinator & HIV Prevention Educator for AIDS Alabama

Erin Denita Smith: 

20 Erin Denita Smith AAS Graduate (Fall 2005) Candidate for a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Psychology at Troy University Mentor for children and teenagers in the Montgomery community

Learning Outcomes and Transferable Skills Related to the AAS Curriculum: 

21 Learning Outcomes and Transferable Skills Related to the AAS Curriculum Identify the seven core areas of African American Studies Articulate orally and in writing the history and culture of African and African Diaspora communities Expose social myths about African-ancestored cultures and peoples Recognize cultural ties among African-ancestored groups Assess the impact of African cultures in a global context List the contributions of African-descended figures in historical and contemporary milieus Communicate effectively with diverse groups and individuals Apply analytical reasoning to problem solving Demonstrate critical thinking skills Draw on a variety of approaches to research and writing Advocate for needed social change and informed public policy Disseminate information to communities that lack access to resources

Additional Opportunities: 

22 Additional Opportunities The African American Studies Program also provides students with the following opportunities: One-on-one academic advising and mentoring In-house computer access and assistance Unique opportunities for study abroad Meaningful extracurricular activities Networking in culturally-specific environments Interaction with prominent public figures

Partnerships: 

23 Partnerships The UAB Office of Equity and Diversity The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

AAS Program Office Faculty & Staff: 

24 AAS Program Office Faculty & Staff Professor of Spanish and Interim Director Dr. Dellita Martin-Ogunsola dellita@uab.edu Office Associate II Ms. VernCile Bush vern@uab.edu Student Assistant Theodore Foster Student Assistant Alexis Morris Work-Study Student Kimberly Rogers Recruiter and Public Schools Liaison Mrs. Janice Kelsey Recruiter and Adjunct Instructor Mr. Gregory Wilson 516-6206 wilsanhist@bellsouth.net

UABAfrican-American Studies Program Contact Information: 

25 UAB African-American Studies Program Contact Information 1055 11th Street South 1055 Building, Suite 102 Birmingham, Alabama 35294 205-975-9652 office 205-975-9649 fax africana@uab.edu e-mail www.uab.edu/african URL