African American and Diaspora Studies
A conversation with poet Sonia Sanchez set for April 7
Apr. 1, 2021—Sonia Sanchez, a poet, playwright, professor and activist, will give a virtual talk on Wednesday, April 7, beginning at noon CT in celebration of National Poetry Month as well as Black art and artists.
Cornel West, Victor Anderson to discuss ‘Race, Faith and American Democracy’ Feb. 5
Feb. 2, 2021—Prominent scholars Cornel West and Victor Anderson will participate in a virtual event, “Race, Faith and American Democracy: A Conversation,” on Friday, Feb. 5, from noon to 1 p.m. CT as part of Vanderbilt University’s celebration of Black History Month.
Writer in residence Alice Randall to discuss ‘Black Bottom Saints’ Feb. 4
Jan. 26, 2021—Author Alice Randall, writer in residence in African American and Diaspora Studies, will discuss her new book, "Black Bottom Saints," during a virtual event on Thursday, Feb. 4. The event, open to all faculty, staff and alumni, will begin at 5 p.m. CT and be conducted via Zoom.
Words in Common: Mother-daughter duo and writers-in-residence Alice Randall and Caroline Randall Williams share a deep creative calling
Oct. 2, 2020—Alice Randall and Caroline Randall Williams are both writers-in-residence at Vanderbilt—Randall in the Department of African American and Diaspora Studies and Williams in the Department of Medicine, Health and Society. And neither is afraid to shine a light on complicated questions around race.
A Bus Ride to Smile About: Dara Johnson, BA’20
Apr. 30, 2020—From Rosa Parks to the Freedom Riders, buses have been a potent symbol of change in Dara Johnson’s hometown, and she’s working to become the next person to deliver transformation through transportation—in the form of a mobile dental clinic.
Tracy Sharpley-Whiting wins SEC Faculty Achievement Award
Apr. 17, 2020—Tracy Sharpley-Whiting, a renowned scholar on race, gender and culture and chair of African American and Diaspora Studies, has won a Southeastern Conference Faculty Achievement Award.
Black History Month celebrated at Vanderbilt
Mar. 2, 2020—Vanderbilt’s 2020 celebration of Black History Month included lectures, off-campus trips, community events and more to celebrate and reflect on the history, impact and contributions of African Americans throughout the country’s history and at the university.
Vanderbilt to host ‘Stirring the Waters Across America’ Feb. 28
Jan. 31, 2020—“Stirring the Waters Across America,” a multimedia production highlighting the Civil Rights Movement through captivating music, spoken word and dance, is scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 28 in Langford Auditorium.
Author and feminist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie to deliver Chancellor’s Lecture on Nov. 21
Nov. 8, 2019—Acclaimed author and feminist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie will keynote a signature event as part of the Vanderbilt University Chancellor’s Lecture Series on Thursday, Nov. 21, at 6:30 p.m. in Langford Auditorium. The event, hosted by Interim Chancellor and Provost Susan R. Wente, is free and open to the public.
Expert panel to discuss past and present-day suffrage movements Oct. 7
Sep. 30, 2019—An Oct. 7 panel discussion will explore the connections between the women’s suffrage movement and current voting rights activism. The panel is free and open to the public and will take place from 4:10 to 5:30 p.m. in the Great Room of E. Bronson Ingram College.
Film seminar on campus over Winter Break to engage teenage boys of color
Dec. 19, 2018—Gilman Whiting, an associate professor of African American and Diaspora studies and director of the Scholar Identity Institute, will lead a Winter Break camp and film seminar for boys of color in sixth through ninth grades Jan. 2-4.
Vanderbilt writer-in-residence talks ‘Flags and Anthems’ at upcoming Sports and Society event
Nov. 19, 2018—Vanderbilt Writer-In-Residence Alice Randall, a best-selling author and award-winning songwriter, will lead a Sports and Society lecture on “Flags and Anthems" Thursday, Nov. 29.