Message from the Director
Welcome to the Center for African American History. Today, the study,
teaching, and writing of African American history and the African Diaspora
is one of the most compelling and dynamic fields of scholarly inquiry in
the academy. So much fascinating and significant scholarship is being
produced that this is a critical moment for us to forge opportunities and
create new spaces to facilitate spirited discourse. Northwestern
University has assembled a vibrant group of historians with wide ranging
interests and expertise and has a large cohort of graduate students
working on dissertations that will advance the field in exciting ways. The
emerging diverse perspectives about key topics, development of innovative
methodological approaches, and increased attention paid to comparative
studies makes imperative the launching of our Center for African American
History.
The Departments of African American Studies and History are partners in
the creation of the Center. Colleagues in both departments will exchange
ideas, share research findings, celebrate publications, and disseminate
scholarship to the larger community. The Center will promote conversations
between our faculty and graduate students, and will invite historians from
other institutions to lecture at informal and formal venues. We welcome
your participation in our activities and anticipate lively and informative
interactions across boundaries.
Peace,
Darlene Clark Hine
Inaugural Director, Center for African
American History
