Growing from a program into a full-fledged center, African-American studies (AAS) has long been in a state of flux, expanding its offerings and moving its headquarters three times in the last four years.
And that change is continuing, with African-American studies "authorized to [become] a major once our faculty is large enough to offer enough courses on a consistent basis," Center for African-American Studies Director Valerie Smith said.
In the report that accompanied the University's announcement of the creation of the center last September, a faculty committee recommended that "the University should aim to be ready to offer a major in African-American studies in five years."
After a year of renovations to Stanhope Hall, previously home to the Department of Public Safety, the center moved into its permanent headquarters this fall and held a celebratory open house yesterday. The center, Smith said in an email, has a "mandate ... to do more than build our number of faculty and majors."
The center dramatically increases the presence and scope of African-American studies on campus, doubling the program's faculty, adding new courses and making a major an attainable reality.
Unlike the other seven Ivy League institutions, which all offer an undergraduate major in African-American studies or a similar field, the University only offers a certificate, though graduate students can also select it as a focus area for their studies.
Anna Almore '08, who is pursuing a certificate in African-American studies, said she would "love for [African-American studies] to become a major."
For the time being, though, both professors and students seem content with the Center's facilities and academic programming..
Faculty members said they predicted Stanhope will become more of an academic building, hosting events such as poetry readings and discussions about race and ethnicity.
"This is a grand moment in the history of Princeton for all of us," religion professor and member of the center Cornel West said.
Smith noted that the center has already brought four new faculty members to the University: Wallace Best, a professor of religion and African-American studies; Angel Harris, a professor of sociology and African-American studies; Tera Hunter, a professor of history and African-American studies; and Judith Weisenfeld, a professor of religion.
Philosophy professor Kwame Appiah said he is "delighted by all the recent appointments" to the center.
Nikki Bowen '08, another certificate student, said the reopening of Stanhope Hall as the center's new home bodes well for the future.
It's a "sign that African-American studies is gaining more validity academically" on campus, she said.
Read More
Economics professor Kate Ho passes away after long battle with cancer
Devon RudolphProfessor Kate Ho made seminal contributions to the economics of modeling competition in the healthcare sector and taught well-loved courses in industrial organization.
Professor Kate Ho made seminal contributions to the economics of modeling competition in the healthcare sector and taught well-loved courses in industrial organization.
Pedestrian left in critical condition after traffic collision on Nassau Street
Luke GrippoThe pedestrian was struck by a westbound 2015 Ford Explorer around 11:32 p.m. The driver was identified in the press release as a 39-year-old Princeton resident who cooperated with officers upon their arrival.
The pedestrian was struck by a westbound 2015 Ford Explorer around 11:32 p.m. The driver was identified in the press release as a 39-year-old Princeton resident who cooperated with officers upon their arrival.
Senior class jacket abruptly changed following accusations of AI design
Vitus LarrieuFor more than a century, Princeton seniors have donned “beer jackets” to protect their clothes during Reunions and commencement celebrations, typically with elaborate designs chosen by a class-wide contest. Now, with a selection process marred by accusations of generative AI use, the Class of 2026 may have written its own spot in Princeton history.
For more than a century, Princeton seniors have donned “beer jackets” to protect their clothes during Reunions and commencement celebrations, typically with elaborate designs chosen by a class-wide contest. Now, with a selection process marred by accusations of generative AI use, the Class of 2026 may have written its own spot in Princeton history.