The Department of Afroamerican and African Studies is part of a larger movement of Africana Studies programs begun during the era of civil rights and independence efforts across the African Diaspora. Moving through history, the sights, sounds and thoughts that bring the past to life are powerfully conveyed through multimedia productions.
By making use of the podcast method of presenting history beyond the pages of books that are well-thumbed by students of higher learning, DAAS seeks to provide alternative means of capturing the past. By evoking the memories of those who were history makers, we are able to discover what people at the time were experiencing.
In addition to the oral histories and interviews you can explore in other sections of this website, please take the time to view our first completed podcast. We look forward to your feedback and finding out what other aspects of the department you are interested in exploring.
- Episode 1: The formation of BAM, protests, and its demands
The late 1960s was a high tide of activism across the world. It was a period where black people and black communities were coming together with growing cultural awareness and political commitment. In January 1970, representatives from different black student caucuses at the University of Michigan – such as the black student union, the black… Read more: Episode 1: The formation of BAM, protests, and its demands - Episode 2: Establishment, components, and objectives of Center for Afroamerican and African Studies – CAAS
The BAM I strike was one of the most successful protests in campus history as it made a great impact on university policy. On April 1, 1970, the University President, Robbin Fleming announced an agreement with BAM that brought an end to the 18-day strike. In response to BAM’s demands, President Fleming agreed to increase… Read more: Episode 2: Establishment, components, and objectives of Center for Afroamerican and African Studies – CAAS - Episode 3: The locations and achievement of CAAS during its 40-year span
CAAS’s original home was 715 Haven Street. In the summer of 1972, the Center moved to the second floor of the bank building at 1100 South University. In 1978, following a fire, CAAS moved again, this time, to Lorch Hall at 909 Monroe Stret. In 1985, the Center moved to larger quarters in West Hall… Read more: Episode 3: The locations and achievement of CAAS during its 40-year span - Episode 4: Departmentalization of CAAS
On September 1, 2011, CAAS became the Department of Afroamerican and African Studies (DAAS). The transition to a full-fledged academic department began in the late 1990s when CAAS was given enhanced program status, enabling it to serve as an equal partner with other departments in tenure cases as well as to make 100% tenure-track faculty… Read more: Episode 4: Departmentalization of CAAS - Episode 5: DAAS’ commitment to Afroamerican and African community
As stated earlier, DAAS is committed to teach, inspire, enlighten, and challenge students in the interdisciplinary study of Africa and its diaspora. DAAS classrooms offer experiential learning and intercultural exchanges that sharpen undergraduate students’ critical thinking on the histories of black communities across the globe as well as on racial ideologies and the current state… Read more: Episode 5: DAAS’ commitment to Afroamerican and African community - Episode 6: The DAAS difference
DAAS is a vibrant intellectual hub at the University of Michigan that offers a rich variety of opportunities for learning about the continent of Africa, contrasting cultures and societies of African-descended people around the globe, and providing cultural resources for students of African heritage. One of the ways DAAS is making a difference in the… Read more: Episode 6: The DAAS difference
