UT African & African Diaspora Studies

We are honored to send Beverly Buchanan’s 𝘜𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘥 (𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘑𝘢𝘳) from our collection in Austin, Texas, to Venice, Italy, for inclusion in the 61st International Art Exhibition “In Minor Keys,” curated by Koyo Kouoh. On display together with works by 110 artists, this sculpture made of bottle caps, a Georgia license plate, ball bubble hair ties, shells, and other found materials glued onto a rusted tin can connects the lived-in landscapes of the U.S. South with art audiences from around the world. Beverly Buchanan (1940-2015) was born in Fuquay, North Carolina. She explored history, memory, and place, particularly within the context of Black experiences. Influenced by memory jugs, which were left on unmarked African American graves — often with a watch or a piece of fabric from a person who passed away, Buchanan’s “spirit jars” burst with various things that she discovered in thrift stores. 𝘜𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘥 (𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘑𝘢𝘳), c. 2000, references long-term, evolving issues such as the Georgia-based company Coca-Cola’s historic relationship to both the Confederacy and desegregation. On campus at UT Austin, AGBS stewards a growing permanent collection of 1300+ works of art and presents original, scholarship-backed exhibitions in multiple gallery spaces each year. Reaching new audiences with existing artworks is a central tenet of what we do. Says Kaila Schedeen, exhibitions and collections manager, “AGBS’s mission is focused on highlighting the many interwoven realms of African Diasporic experiences for students, faculty, staff, and the public, who recognize our collections for a high caliber of intellectual inquiry, visual appreciation, and cultural care. Buchanan’s 𝘜𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘥 (𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘑𝘢𝘳), c. 2000, is an evocative example of a rigorous conceptual work that explores history through a modern/contemporary artistic lens, which is reflected throughout our holdings. Her work’s inclusion in La Biennale highlights the international scope of human experience represented across our collections.” Biennale Arte 2026 is open to the public May 9 – Nov. 22, 2026. . . With thanks to @andrewedlingallery

"Please record your message!" Don't leave April waiting by the phone!! She's ready to help you leave a message for AADS on this big orange rotary relic! But seriously ... on this phone we're collecting words of gratitude, encouragement, reminiscence, kindness, learning, and growth born out of shared work together in these halls. Leave your own message for the AADS archive and for each other. Today and Tuesday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. GWB 2nd floor (outside the MPR / GWB 2.206) Pastry treats served on Tues. while supplies last!

This academic year was special. (Swipe to see why!) We couldn't have done it without you. Next year will look a little different, but our work moves forward. Support the future of Black Studies at UT Austin by visiting the link in our bio. Today we're raising money for experiential learning opportunities for students. Our faculty are committed to continuing to connect the classroom with the wider world.

You're invited! IRP is hosting a lunchtime research symposium featuring URAP students! Undergraduate Research Symposium Tues., April 28 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. GWB 2.206 | MPR Lunch provided! Through the Undergraduate Research and Apprenticeship Program (URAP), IRP hosts a cohort of 9 undergraduate students who have learned about public policy, inequality, and democracy through the lens of the Diaspora. In this symposium, they will present their own research through a research poster they have created. Dr. Gordon and Faith Williams, the graduate student cohort leader, invite the AADS community and friends to this symposium to showcase how we help students grow in their research journey. Questions? [email protected]

Yoruba Day 2026 | Embodied Tradition: Yorùbá Spiritual Frameworks in Capoeira Angola Wednesday, April 22 11:00AM – 2:00PM | GWB 2.206 See agenda below The Yoruba Day celebration at The University of Texas at Austin brings together students, faculty, and members of the broader community to celebrate Yoruba language, heritage, and traditions. Join us for performances such as traditional music, dance, drama, and spoken word, alongside displays of Yoruba cuisine, attire, and art. All are welcome!! Hosted by African & African Diaspora Studies (AADS) and the Warfield Center, Yoruba Day creates an immersive and interactive atmosphere, where attendees not only observe but actively participate in cultural expressions. The event highlights the richness of Yoruba culture while fostering cross-cultural understanding and community engagement. Students in our Yoruba language program are featured contributors! We hope to see you for 2026 Yoruba Day! AGENDA 11:00 – 11:05 AM Welcome by Prof. Níyì Afọlábí 11:05 – 11:45 AM Capoeria Performance & African Food with @capoeiraangolaatx 11:45 AM – 12:00 PM YOR 611C Performance: Ọ gbọn Ọ ba, (The Wisdom of the King) directed by Dr. Adébímpé Adégbìtẹ́ 12:00 – 12:15 PM Introduction of Guest: Prof. Níyì Afọlábí 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM Guest Lecture: “Embodied Tradition: Yorùbá Spiritual Frameworks in Capoeira Angola” by Capoeira Master, Dorian Layssard 1:15 – 2:00 PM Musical Interlude . . . . Image: Photo by Priscila Almeida from Pexels

Data, technology and business ... what do they have to do with Black Studies? Take one of these dynamic interdisciplinary courses to build skills and participate in the discourse! (Bonus: AFR 302D and AFR 325S count for MATH CORE requirements!) AFR 325S Statistical Analysis of Social Disparities Lowe, Ricardo AFR 302D Analyzing Social Data Ibekwe-Okafor, Nneka AFR F310 Emerging Technologies Britt, Andrew AFR 370 Corporate Diaspora Inman-Ramgolam, Dina AFR 315L Anthropology of Race and Ethnicity: An Introduction Adegbite, Adebimpe AFR 310 Digital Tech and Diaspora Britt, Andrew Link in bio for full AADS/AFR course guide!

Need a break from finals season and the end of the semester? Looking to celebrate after a looong year? ⭐ Join us 5 - 7 pm on 4/17 for our final Fridays for Students program of the Spring semester! ⭐ Enjoy some treats and refreshments, check out the art, mingle with friends, and craft your hearts out. We hope to see you there!

RESEARCH ROUNDUP ... 𝐌𝐢𝐚 𝐂𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐡 TUESDAY, April 14th from 3–4 p.m. Gordon–White Building Multi-purpose Room (GWB 2.206) This Research RoundUp is hosted by IRP @ AADS RESEARCH ROUNDUP connects student researchers with their peers and other research-curious members of the UT community for an afternoon of great conversation, food, and community. Guided by AADS Research Institute faculty and staff, each session addresses topics relating to hands-on research by using real-world examples. Mia Cisco (she/her) is a student researcher and employee who studies geopolitical determinants of health. She has published in journals such as the Journal of Adolescent Health, Journal of Immigrant & Refugee Studies, and the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry. On Tuesday, she will speak about her work on Ukraine, Iraq, and other global contexts. She hopes to make her case clear: When studying refugee mental health, context matters.

COURSE DROP!! Registration is OPEN for Summer and Fall 2026! Swipe for a selection of Black Studies options across humanities, arts, policy and theory subjects. Then, register ASAP to lock in your spot 🔒 Many sections have core curriculum designations to help you earn your degree faster! Click the link in bio to get to the full online course guide💡

Our AADS graduate students presented their latest research across a wide range of Black Studies topics in a stellar symposium last week. Congratulations, all!! You inspire us.

Curious about Yoruba at UT Austin? Watch the full video on the Texas Language Center YouTube channel (@tlcut -austin8493). Link for YouTube channel also in bio. Registration starts April 6th!

One week away!! Marlon James comes to Austin for the 2026 Eric Williams Memorial Lecture! Get your tickets, and get there early! Reception begins at 5:15 and auditorium doors close promptly at 6:15 for the start of the program. Can't make it in person? The keynote will be livestreamed! 🗓️ April 2nd | 6:15–7:45 PM (US Central Time) The in-person event is preceded by a public reception at 5:15 p.m. CT. 📍 Boyd Vance Theatre at the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center (1165 Angelina Street, Austin TX 78702) 🎥 A livestream of the event begins at 6:15 p.m. 🎟️ This event is FREE and open to the public. 🔗 RSVP & Learn more at link in bio “Marlon James is a writer of exceptional talent and range,” says Warfield Center Director and literary scholar Dr. Jennifer Wilks. “As Eric Williams was a scholar whose deep knowledge of history informed his vision for an independent Trinidad and Tobago, so James is an artist who deftly moves between immersive historical fiction and captivating epic fantasy, delving into the nuances of the past to imagine the possibilities of the future.” Founded in 1999, the Eric Williams Memorial Lecture series honors the late Dr. Eric Williams (1911-1981), scholar, statesman, and Head of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago from 1956 until his death in 1981. The 2026 EWML is sponsored by the John L. Warfield Center for African and African American Studies, The Eric Williams Memorial Collection Research Library, Archives & Museum at The University of the West Indies; the City of Austin, UT’s Michener Center for Writers, UT’s New Writers Project, The Caribbean Studies Initiative of The Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies (LLILAS), and the Texas Book Festival.