The Black American Studies Program

Welcome from Dr. Daryl A. Carter

Black American Studies is an interdisciplinary academic program. The cornerstones of this program are:

1. Respect for knowledge
2. Respect for others
3. Affirmation of the importance of diversity and inclusion
4. Determination to improve our society through education and service
5. Humility
6. Compassion
7. Cooperation

In the 21st century, understanding the importance of history and underrepresented groups is central to making sense of an increasingly complicated and complex world. Black American Studies serves a critical role for the College of Arts & Sciences and East Tennessee State University by offering high quality academic course offerings, superb programming, and opportunities for personal growth through service. We are a student-centered program striving to improve the student experience. We encourage dialogue between various groups and strive to represent those groups who, historically and presently, have been unable to defend themselves.

The original sin of slavery has tainted every aspect of our lives in the United States. The scourge of racial oppression has impacted all of our national culture, institutions, schools, courts, boardrooms, rural areas, urban centers, financial institutions, and politics. There are no better examples of the importance of race and ethnicity than the events of the previous twenty years. Wars and domestic strife, profound demographic changes, and the rise of right wing nationalism have reinforced the need for education, compassion, and outreach. This combined with long simmering issues, such as voter suppression, poverty, militarism, immorality, police brutality, and violence, have demonstrated the unmistakable need for high quality programming which brings people together to support the common good.