Welcome to the Black Studies Collective

The Black Studies Collective at The University of Texas at Austin is a collective endeavor like no other Black studies initiative in the country. The Collective draws its strength from four distinct campus units – African and African Diaspora Studies (AADS), the John L. Warfield Center for African and African American Studies (The Warfield Center), the Institute for Urban Policy Research & Analysis (IUPRA), and the Art Galleries at Black Studies (AGBS).

The Black Studies Collective is a premier research and education destination for students, faculty, visiting scholars, and the community at large. Rooted in anti-racist and Black liberation frameworks, the Black Studies Collective influences the world through field defining scholarship, creative pedagogy, timely and relevant policy research, and robust arts and cultural programming. African and African Diaspora Studies also proudly reviews all submissions for the Rather Prize under the direction of Dr. Kevin Foster and the Rather Prize staff and volunteers.

The African and African Diaspora Studies department enrolls degree-seeking undergraduate majors and minors, doctoral students, and students seeking individual courses to enhance their UT educational experience. AADS faculty are frequent winners of prestigious teaching awards and research prizes, bringing unmatched enthusiasm and the latest techniques to the classroom. The AADS major has emerged as an ideal complementary degree for UT students seeking dual majors across the University in fields as wide-ranging as engineering, sociology, informatics and business.

The Black Studies Collective generates original programming and research, bringing distinguished visitors to Austin and giving UT students the opportunity to learn from performers, practitioners and leaders. These events also serve as opportunities for students to work behind the scenes to produce and promote programming, as they gain valuable professional skills and experience. This year's guests include National Book Award winner Percival Everett, CNN news anchor Abby Phillip, senior Austin police officers, artists Lola Flash and Texas Isaiah, and more.