Our summer courses will be online. Fall 2020 programs are being developed to accommodate both on-campus and remote students.
Visit the University's COVID-19 website for important updates and guidance on working, teaching, and learning remotely.
Degree Program
Our interdisciplinary program in African and African-American studies integrates the social sciences and humanities.
Careers & Outcomes
AAS students pursue graduate studies and professional careers at prestigious institutions and organizations.
Collaborations
We partner with numerous other institutes, departments, and centers from across the University.
FDI Speaker Series
"Stealing the Future: Black Childhood and the Ecological Imagination"
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
5 p.m.
Humanities Center, Conference Room D
Samira Abdur-Rahman, University of San Francisco will present “Stealing the Future: Black Childhood and the Ecological Imagination”.
Sponsored by the Frederick Douglass Institute for African and African-American Studies.
Learn More
Feature Event
FDI Film Series
Join us for "Free Entry Wednesdays"
The film series has been curated by postdoctoral fellows Zebulon Dingley and Grace Gipson and is sponsored by the Frederick Douglass Institute for African and African American Studies.
Learn More
Feature Story
Marius "Mimi" Kothor, PhD Candidate—Yale University
Mimi (pictured) is an alumna ('13) of the University of Rochester, where she received her degree in African and African American Studies. We are proud to share that she was featured in the New York Times for her Opinion Piece: Trump Is Trying to Kill the Program That Saved My Life. When you have a moment, check it out!
Way to Go, Mimi!
#WomenOfColorThatWow
From the Director
Cilas Kemedjio
Director for the Frederick Douglass Institute for African and African-American Studies
The Frederick Douglass Institute for African and African-American Studies (FDI) brings together scholars working in the humanities and social sciences in the area of Africa and the African diasporas. Its mission is to further undergraduate and graduate education, faculty research, and intellectual exchange within the University community. The undergraduate major and minor in African and African-American studies benefits from the interdisciplinary nature of our curriculum, a reflection of the diversity and vibrancy of our associates.
Read MoreGet Involved
Participate in or attend film screenings, dance festivals, lectures, poetry slams, community outreach, conferences, performances, and symposia.
View our calendar of events or sign up for our mailing list to receive notifications of upcoming events.
Calendar of Events
Historyand Culture
Humanitiesand Social Sciences
Researchand ScholarshipWant more information about the Frederick Douglass Institute? Contact us.