African and African American Studies

Black History Month topics among Rice faculty members’ areas of expertise

Black History Month, celebrated each February, honors the profound contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout U.S. history.

‘Diverse perspectives’: Rice conference delivers fresh insights on energy, waste and the environment in West Africa

Rice hosted the Energy, Waste and the Environment in West Africa conference Sept. 12-13, an event that convened scholars, policymakers and artists to address pressing environmental issues in West Africa.

Erika Thompson joins Rice’s Center for African and African American Studies as associate director

In a move to bolster its academic and community engagement, Rice’s Center for African and African American Studies has appointed Erika Thompson as its new associate director.

Rice student’s Juneteenth poem celebrates legacy of Freedmen’s Town

Though she grew up in Houston’s Freedmen’s Town, Avalon Hogans didn’t start digging into the history of the area until she came to Rice.

Rice recognizes Juneteenth with panel discussion of freedom fighters' speeches

Rice hosted a panel discussion titled “Juneteenth and Justice for All: Black Struggle, the Constitution and Democratic Futures.” It is part of a monthlong series of events recognizing the federal holiday and its place in history.

Scholar Michael Eric Dyson to decode ‘Alphabets Against American Amnesia’ April 1

In an April 1 speech at Rice University that promises to be both enlightening and thought-provoking, Michael Eric Dyson is set to deliver an address titled “BHM, BLM, DEI, CRT, AI, AP and MLK: Alphabets Against American Amnesia.”

Black Houston(s) Symposium returns to spotlight rich Afro-diasporic heritage and contemporary realities

After a successful inaugural event in 2023, the Black Houston(s) Symposium returns this year with an event slated for March 21-22, which will bring together scholars, community members and thought leaders to explore the multifaceted narratives of Black life in Houston.

Dreaming of justice: Rice to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day with lecture by Ohio State’s Treva Lindsey

On Jan. 16, Treva Lindsey, professor of women’s, gender and sexuality studies at Ohio State University and co-founder of Black Feminist Night School at Zora’s House, will deliver a lecture titled “Until Justice Rolls Down Like Water: The Enduring Power of Black Freedom Dreams.”

Acclaimed author, MacArthur Fellow Imani Perry speaks at Rice Humanities’ Campbell Lectures

Imani Perry led two consecutive nights of engaging and wide-ranging discussions Nov. 15-16 at Rice University as the latest speaker in the School of Humanities’ Campbell Lecture Series.

Art history lecture at Rice to explore race, racism and representation in Roman art

Rice’s Department of Art History will hold a lecture, “’Race,’ Racism and Representation in Roman Art: Aethiopians in the Visual Arts of the Roman World,” at Fondren Library Oct. 26.

Ruth Simmons to deliver 2023 Jefferson Lecture in the Humanities

Rice President’s Distinguished Fellow Ruth Simmons will deliver the 2023 Jefferson Lecture in the Humanities, the National Endowment for the Humanities announced July 26.

MacArthur Fellow P. Gabrielle Foreman to give lecture at Rice March 7

Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar P. Gabrielle Foreman will present a lecture focused on the history of 19th-century Black activism March 7 at Fondren Library.

Ruth Simmons to join Rice as President’s Distinguished Fellow

Ruth Simmons, a pioneer in higher education, will join Rice University as a President’s Distinguished Fellow, the university announced today.

Rice, TSU, Prairie View unite for Juneteenth event

Rice hosted a celebration of Juneteenth with a series of panels exploring ideas and questions relevant to the holiday.

Rice wins NEH grant to create digital database of Atlantic slave trade

Grant will further enhance Rice’s reputation as a center for Africa and African diaspora studies, digital humanities