Black Studies

The interdisciplinary Black Studies Program is designed to investigate the black experience in Africa, North America, the Caribbean, Latin America, and in other parts of the African diaspora. The program draws on the expertise of faculty members in all four academic divisions of the college: humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and the fine arts. It is consistent with the liberal arts philosophy of exploring issues fundamental to the development of a broadly educated person and the creation of a humane spirit.

Barbara Fultner , Chair of Black Studies, Professor of Philosophy and Women's & Gender S…

Diana Lehman , Academic Administrative Assistant

Black Studies courses utilize professors from 12 fields to approach core themes like race and justice from a variety of perspectives.

Learn more about Black Studies

Committed to educating questioning minds & curious natures

Community Learning

A suggested reading list for those interested in educating themselves about issues regarding people of color.

Spotlights

4 questions with English professor Diana Mafe

Mafe talks about her research, teaching practices, and how The Legend of Zelda connects to the liberal arts.

Denison Magazine

The Office: John L. Jackson

True to its occupant, John Jackson’s office is a quiet space — personal, distinctive.

Denison Magazine

The ON Switch

Conversations with faculty about what it means to teach — and to trigger those amazing moments of illumination

Students engaging in classroom discussion

How We Learn

Cultural Critique

Students take their learning and engage with current topics as critics — as they become published authors and add to their résumés.

How We Learn

New Book by Diana Mafe Examines Race and Gender in Pop Culture

Diana Mafe's book opens a new door in literature - boldly going into science fiction to look at race and gender norms.

Where We Go

Teaching Is a Calling for Jerome Price ’12

When Jerome Price graduated from Denison University in 2012, he had no doubt where his career path lay.

Where We Go

Victoria Roberts ’11, Publishes Work: Forever Under Construction

Victoria Roberts '11 has just published her first book of poetry entitled: Forever Under Construction.

How We Learn

Black Studies Professor, Anita Waters, Retires after 25 Years

Dr. Anita Waters is acknowledged at the Center for Black Studies' Senior Symposium for her 25 years of contributions to the program.

How We Learn

Research Conducted on Black Women Student Activism of the 1960s

Dr. Lauren Araiza Conducts Research on Black Women Student Activism of the 1960s.

How We Learn

Jackson & King collaborate in "The Critical Black Studies Reader"

Black Studies Professors John Jackson and Toni King Publish Article in Groundbreaking Text on Black Studies.

Where We Go

Seminarian Brooke Hayes '08 Shares Stories of Ethical Leadership

Brooke Hayes '08 visits Dr. Toni King's Black Women and Organizational Leadership class.

How We Learn

What mixed girls may not tell you

Rhayna Kramer '19 explores "colorism" in today's society.

How We Learn

Why Riri Williams, the new "Iron Man," matters

For Imani Congdon '20, the new "Iron Man," a young black woman named Riri Williams, is a hopeful sign.

Where We Go

Elizabeth J. A. Siwo-Okundi '01 awarded Denison Alumni Citation

Elizabeth J. A. Siwo-Okundi '01, a preacher in Boston, has been awarded a prestigious Denison Alumni Citation.

How We Learn

Toni Morrison Scholar, Dr. Linda Krumholz, Ends Term as Director

Dr. Linda Krumholz Returns to English after Directing the Black Studies Program.

What's Happening

University News

A dream fulfilled: Denison wins its first NCAA men’s tennis title

Denison names Matt Tanney new associate vice president and director of athletics

‘Life is jazz, baby:’ Denison celebrates 184th Commencement

Black Studies

Black Studies

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Community Learning

Spotlights

4 questions with English professor Diana Mafe

The Office: John L. Jackson

The ON Switch

Cultural Critique

New Book by Diana Mafe Examines Race and Gender in Pop Culture

Teaching Is a Calling for Jerome Price ’12

Victoria Roberts ’11, Publishes Work: Forever Under Construction

Black Studies Professor, Anita Waters, Retires after 25 Years

Research Conducted on Black Women Student Activism of the 1960s

Jackson & King collaborate in "The Critical Black Studies Reader"

Seminarian Brooke Hayes '08 Shares Stories of Ethical Leadership

What mixed girls may not tell you

Why Riri Williams, the new "Iron Man," matters

Elizabeth J. A. Siwo-Okundi '01 awarded Denison Alumni Citation

Toni Morrison Scholar, Dr. Linda Krumholz, Ends Term as Director

What's Happening

2025 Student Commencement Speaker: Jess Cohen ’25

Black studies students learn through community connections

Hollywood’s first major Black female superhero is only a beginning