Welcome to African, African American, and Diaspora (AAAD) Studies Center

The African, African American, and Diaspora (AAAD) Studies Center provides interdisciplinary knowledges, programming, and initiatives related to the histories, cultures, languages, arts, ecologies, economics, philosophies, ideas, and socio-political structures of peoples of Africa and of African descent. The Center’s core mission is to cultivate academic interests in the cultures and institutions of Africa and its diasporas in collaboration with JMU students, faculty, and staff alongside our external community constituencies.

Our vision is to grow internal and external partnerships to expand the knowledge and understanding of African, African American, and African Diaspora Studies and the Center that advances them. 

Our values are; A community that builds relationships among students, faculty and staff, and local and global partners We are committed to building collaborations across disciplines that challenge our worldviews and tackle shared problems. We are committed to the active pursuit of a just and equitable environment in our classrooms, on campus, and beyond. We are committed to pedagogical, scholarly, and creative practices that empower and promote transformative impact at local, global, and individual levels.

Our five pillars are:

• Community Partnerships and Advocacy
• Education and Mentorship
• Knowledge and Creativity
• Global Engagement
• Bridging and Synergy

Housed in the College of Arts and Letters and currently under the leadership of Dr. Delores Phillips, the AAAD Studies Center is built on the principle of effective inter-departmental cooperation, particularly with regard to core curriculum courses on Africa and the African Diaspora. Over 65 faculty members drawn from different departments and disciplines constitute the program's primary academic constituency. 

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