- “Everyone should get a minor in Africana Studies. The department is amazing and the study itself is essential for navigating life in this country.”
- “It can be difficult to find a Community attending a PWI [predominantly white institution] as a black woman. Being a part of the Africana Studies Program really built that community for me! Not only do we have fun together, and learn together…it’s so empowering. “
- “With my Africana Studies minor, I’ve been able to gain a deeper understanding of culture sometimes left unexplored from the western world. In doing so I’ve been able to better understand Africa, for all it is, and hope to continue doing so in future studies.”
- “I love this department! [It] shows you real in-depth knowledge.”
- “The Africana Dept. is the place where I learned and challenged the interdependence of structural domination and demystified epistemological hegemony with supportive staff.”
Student Narratives via The Urban News [article]
- “Africana and Black organizations are the sole reason I am here at UNCA. I have never been so welcomed and embraced by so many creative, intelligent people. I have received priceless lessons from the professors of the Africana department and my fellow student leaders and peers. This community has instilled hope and courage in me, and I am so grateful to everyone who’s been with me this year.”
- “Black organizations and Africana made my experience at UNCA so much better. Africana provided a sense of home and community that I need at this PWI and really has taught me very important lessons of how to conduct myself as a Black male in America. Without it, people, especially Black people, will feel isolated from their community.”
- “Black organizations have provided me a safe space where I can go through the evolution into adulthood while being proud of my skin and culture. Without them, I do not think I would have gained the social and academic confidence I have and pursued my goals with anywhere near the amount of support I got from my black peers.”
- “Africana is more than a department. It is a lifestyle!”
Student Narratives via The Blue Banner [article]
- “Having Black faculty on campus gives me a place where I can feel secure…It shows me that there are people here who I can maybe relate to, confide in or seek refuge in a safe space.”