The University of Illinois recently released a study revealing that African-American studies may not be as unpopular as previous studies reported. Out of 1,777 universities surveyed, researchers found that 76 percent of institutions have a program in either African-American studies or Africana studies.
According to Darryl Lester, assistant director of the N.C. State African American Cultural Center, these types of programs can benefit students well beyond their undergraduate careers.
“I do think though if you were able to track students who took classes in Africana studies, five or six years later they would argue that it was very influential and beneficial to their professional career,” Lester said. “It is very important and helpful to take the opportunity to learn about someone else’s journey.”
Lester, who has been part of the faculty at both UNC-Chapel Hill and Shaw University, a historically black college, joined N.C. State’s faculty in February. Since then, he has overseen the Africana culture program, which is housed on second and third floors of the Witherspoon Student Center.
Lester said he believes in the importance of the program, despite arguments that Africana and African-American studies create racial boundaries. Lester said it is possible to learn and celebrate one culture without knocking another down.
“It is possible to lift one aspect of the salad without crushing another aspect of the salad,” said Lester. “By doing this you are adding value to the entirety of the salad. The old model of highlighting one culture or ethnic group by turning one against another is simply outdated.”
Similarly, Destine Statum, a sophomore minoring in Africana studies, said the African culture program has made a positive impact on her college experience.
“The program is important to me because it allows me to be more informed on all aspects of African culture, and it prepares me for any profession,” Statum said. “For me the program is growing, it’s part of me.”
However, not all surveys have found increased student interest in Africana studies. An April 2012 American Education Research Association study found that as students progress through their undergraduate studies, they tend to become less interested in promoting racial understanding.
Even so, when it comes to the value of the program, Lester argues that numbers shouldn’t be the focus of the debate.
“The numbers do not matter,” Lester said. “The program provides so much more than what the numbers show. The Africana studies program offers a forum to have a scholarly discussion about a group not in the majority.”
Still, the program’s future is uncertain. Lester said that there have been discussions between the director and the dean’s office about the relevance of the program.
Similarly, Statum said there were rumors of proposals to either throw out the program completely or merge it with another program, such as women’s and gender studies. Statum said changing the structure of the minor would take away from her experience.
“It wouldn’t be the same program I am showing interest in,” Stratum said.
Currently, N.C. State requires all majors to have one course in a subject that on diversity in the United States. Lester said this might not be enough.
“We are no longer segregated today, but a deeper understanding and context is still needed,” Lester said. “There would be no need for [the Africana studies] program if this information was taught and infused through grade 12, but it isn’t.”