Student playing African drum

What Is Africana Studies?

Africana Studies is the multidisciplinary study of Black liberation, 

from the diverse perspectives of African people globally, 

for the purpose of creating a future of justice for all. 

About Us

Student Voices

Arif Pitts
Arif Pitts

"To me, Africana Studies means helpful mentors, structured easy learning, and community."

Makhia Laster
Makhia Laster

"Africana Studies took a multifaceted approach to foster understanding within myself, my community, and critical thinking." 

Leann Shaw
Leann Shaw

Leann found her academic home within Africana Studies at Buffalo State, the relevance of the courses to her identity as a young Black woman proved to be a defining factor.

Jay Phillips
Jay Phillips

Jay credits the pursuit of “Finding Their Why” and the support of the Africana Studies Department, staff, and family for their current level of involvement.

Dania Trent
Daniya Trent

"I made more friends within Africana Studies than I did any other major that I had previously enrolled in. This major opened my eyes to myself—yes, I knew about my history—but not as much as I know now and I’m still learning."

"The program has created opportunities for its students, with internships at places like M&T Bank and the Charter School of Inquiry in East Buffalo, to show how employers are looking for Afrocentric sensibilities in the workplace."

"Why study an Afrocentric view?" | Buffalo State Record
Marcus Watson, Coordinator of Africana Studies

Questions about Africana Studies?

Please contact

Marcus DuBois Watson
Coordinator of the Africana Studies Program
watsonmd@buffalostate.edu  
Buckham A 120E 
(716) 878-3389