Welcome
Mission
Originally established in 2007 as a working initiative to encourage the scholarly study and public understanding of all facets of race and black life in the United States and throughout the African Diaspora, the Institute for African American Research (IAAR) achieved its official status as a USC entity from the Board of Directors on April 7, 2009, and on June 17th, from the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.
Throughout each of the University’s campuses, and across its diverse range of disciplines there exists a strong talent for research in the field of African American studies. The Institute therefore serves as an interdisciplinary hub, actively bringing together faculty and students to engage in scholarly exchange and collaborative research which transcends traditional academic borders. It also acts as an open forum via which current projects, varying from history to law; public health to political science; business, music, anthropology and much more are showcased throughout the academic year.
The Institute’s offices are located on the second floor of the Thomas Cooper Library, at the heart of the University’s Columbia campus. Open daily, and often featuring artistic exhibits which are free and open to the public, our staff are here to assist you with enquiries, and discuss how we might best help to facilitate your research.
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Exploring this site, you will find information on our faculty and staff; monthly seminar program; annual research awards program; how to get involved and even links to upcoming events both on campus and around the State. |
Welcome to the Institute for African American Research!
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What's Happening
For information regarding this semester check out our Calendar orclick here
The IAAR is proud to share Dr. Dan Littlefield's recent publication. The article is entitled “Reflections on the History behind the Poetry of Natasha Trethewey,” found in Historically Speaking Volume 14, Number 1, January 2013. Follow this Link for the Article
Donations: Donations to the Institute fund the acquisition of new resources, research awards, and technologies which support our mission to reach as broad an interdisciplinary audience as we can. Contributions may be monetary; they may also take the form of time or in-kind gifts such as books, manuscripts, artwork, and other materials. As a new Institute, your support will make an...
Congratulations to our Faculty Recipients: Cheryl Armstead, MS(R), PhDDr. Peter MoyiLisa Wigfall, PhDCongratulations to our Gaduate Student Recipients:Christopher Peter AluahAlexandra ReckendorfSueanna SmithSee our Research Fellows page for details.