The Department of African and African American Studies is a well established academic unit of the University of Cincinnati McMicken College of Arts and Sciences. From Dr. William David Smith's appointment as the first director in 1970 to the present day the department has evolved into a comprehensive degree-granting department. Students enrolled in the department as majors receive the Bachelor of Arts degree. In addition to the major program the department has also developed a number of other important academic and culturally-based programs. Additional information on these programs is included within this web site.

As the department has continued to grow, more and more students have enrolled in one of the many department course offerings. We believe that this increase in enrollment is due in part to the excellence of the teaching staff and the programs, as well as the fact that the students recognize the value of African and African American Studies for themselves and society.

As we move into the next century, it will be extremely important for all of us, Black, white, Asian and others, to understand the interplay of forces that help to structure the existence of Black people.

The faculty and staff of the Department of African and African American Studies are dedicated to analyzing many of these forces and to functioning in such a way that students are able to receive the best instruction possible. Moreover, since we also believe that learning is a two-way process and that there is no substitute for "Brain Power," we are dedicated to the kinds of research exploration that will be beneficial to each of you and the communities in which you live. We feel that the task of bringing about needed changes in this society rests with those who are intellectually prepared.