Congratulations, to our Graduates! Tyra Bertrand graduated Spring 2021 with a major in Cognitive Science, minor in African American Studies, and a New Media Certificate. Tyra plans to work as a User Experience Designer for a tech company or creative agency. Keep reading for Tyra’s advice for current and prospective AFAM students. What was your favorite AFAM course and why? Tyra Bertrand, Spring 2021 My favorite AFAM course was 21st Century Black Writers with Professor Pavlic. I enjoyed it because it reintroduced me to my love for reading. The class also incorporated analysis on TV writing and songwriting which I also found very enjoyable. Why should students consider a major or minor in AFAM? Students should consider majoring or minoring in AFAM because there are multiple avenues to explore the African American experience and it should constantly be celebrated and acknowledged. sydney patton Sydney Patton graduated Spring 2021 with a major in Theatre and a minor in African American Studies. She plans to pursue a career in entertainment and visual art. Keep reading for her advice for current and prospective AFAM students. What was your favorite AFAM course and why? My favorite course, hands down, was Dr. Medine's African American Seminar on Toni Morrison. I had never read work that excited me so much intellectually and artistically. This course made me fall in love with reading again. Why should students consider a major or minor in AFAM? Sydney Patton, Spring 2021 You will always get more from the course than what is on the syllabus. The professors are inspiring, the coursework is meaningful, and you always leave wanting to learn even more. danielle obiri Danielle Obiri graduated Spring 2022 with degrees in African American Studies (AB) and Genetics (BS). Immediately following graduation, Danielle begins medical school at the Medical College of Georgia pursuing a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. What was your favorite AFAM course and why? My favorite AFAM course is actually one I took this semester, Colorism and Hairism (AFAM 3650). I really enjoyed how this class delved into the intricacies of colorism and hairism among various communities of color, not just the Black community. This class opened my eyes to a lot about how colorism and hairism impacts people in society, especially when you look at them in the context of intersectionality with gender as well. The class also pushed me and my peers to engage in critical conversations and dialogue about both historical and contemporary implications of colorism and hairism, many topics that seem "taboo" to talk about but are important to bring awareness about. Dr. Gonlin is amazing and she did an awesome job teaching this course, especially with this being the first time it has been offered. Why should students consider a major or minor in AFAM? Danielle Obiri, Spring 2022 This major allows students to understand the history of Black people and the systematic injustices that have existed since the first enslaved people stepped food on this land, and those implications that we see today from this history. This major is truly eye and mind opening and I encourage anyone interested to join this program.
