One of the largest departments of its kind, the W. E. B. Du Bois Department of Afro-American Studies serves students seeking in-depth knowledge of the history and culture of black people in the Americas and the worldwide African Diaspora.

Congratulations to Professor Britt Rusert for her first book publication: Fugitive Science: Empiricism and Freedom in Early African American Culture (NYU Press).

Du Bois’ central conceptual theme is eloquently captured by his most widely quoted pronouncement: “The problem of the 20th century is the problem of the color line.” It would be equally true to say that the problem of the entire sweep of American history and society is the problem of the color line, for from the earliest Colonial days to the present, the role, status and treatment of the African slaves and their descendants have been at the heart of the American story.

One of four professors to receive the honor, Professor Tracy was recognized as an authority on African-American literature and the blues.