The Heights

BC Black Forum Celebrates 50th Anniversary of AADS

Alexis Thomas and Eliza Hernandez • April 10, 2022

It was the spring of 1969, and the Boston College Black Forum had just emerged from eight weeks of meetings with BC faculty and administrators. The students had successfully negotiated the creation of a Black Studies program—set to launch the following September—with the goal of expanding BC’s Black student and faculty population.

Young Talks Origins, Importance of AADS Program

Gavin Zhang • September 30, 2019

Young also spoke about the administrative obstacles that she faced during the program’s expansion phase.

AADS Plans 50th Anniversary Celebration

Jack Miller • September 15, 2019

Created in 1969 in response to advocacy by the Boston College Black Student Forum, the initial African and African Diaspora Studies program—then “Black Studies”—offered only three classes: African Art, The History and Psychological Development of the Black Family, and African Nationalism Since World War II.

Editorial: AADS Program Should Hire Diaspora-Based Faculty

The Heights Editorial Board • September 9, 2019

Nearly 50 years after the Black Forum advocated for and won ‘black studies’ classes at Boston College, the program, now under the name African and African Diaspora Studies (AADS) has become a major....

African and African Diaspora Studies Now a Major

Jack Miller • September 3, 2019

Provost and Dean of Faculties David Quigley announced the change at Faculty Convocation on Wednesday. Students have been able to pursue a minor in the subject since 1985.

Asare Closes Out AADS Lecture Series

Emily Browder • February 25, 2019

Abena Ampofoa Asare lectured on African institutions’ use of victims’ voices as an attempt to heal past injustices on Tuesday.

BC Continues to Emphasize Diversifying Faculty

Jack Miller and Owen Fahy • September 17, 2018

Almost a year after the “Silence is Still Violence” march, Boston College is staring down several obstacles that stand in the way of a more diverse and representative faculty, but according to figures, BC has one of the most diverse faculties of its peer schools.

AADS to Fill Three New Core Faculty Positions

Connor Murphy • January 19, 2017

The hirings will give the program the opportunity to explore becoming a major down the line.

Boston College’s Race Debate

Bernadette Darcy • October 3, 2016

BC students, faculty, and staff weigh in on the University's social climate after recent events on campus and in the city.