African American Literature

Boston University’s African American Studies program is one of the oldest in the country. Founded in 1969, we have a long history of focused study and deep commitment with all aspects of African American Experiences as well as broader American experiences as they intersect with issues of race, culture, immigration and politics. In a world where terms like “diversity” and “inclusion” are as important to cultural and social stability as they are to political and economic viability, our program stands ready to produce students able to help guide this country fearlessly forward.

THE BLACK SCHOLAR (TBS) is one of the oldest journals of Black studies and research in the country. Currently housed at Boston University’s African American Studies program, it is ranked as the #1 journal of Black studies in the United States.

As a center for excellence for researching, learning, and teaching about Africa, the African Studies Center (ASC) at Boston University provides opportunities for students and scholars across the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences to pursue rigorous academic study and research engaging Africa, to learn African languages, and to participate in diverse programming outside of the classroom.

The vast holdings include the collections of prominent African American writers including Langston Hughes, Nikki Giovanni, Afaa Michael Weaver and many more.