A TRANSFORMATIVE EVENT - APRIL 4-7, 2019

WILLIAMS COLLEGE  |  WILLIAMSTOWN, MA  |  USA

 

Above, Professor Rhon Manigault-Bryant points to items she assembled for an exhibit that told stories of Blacks at Williams.  Many items, such as the poster below, were from the 1960s and 1970s. Associate Professor of Africana Studies Rhon Manigault-Bryant was the visionary organizer of  AFR50 - a four day celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Africana Studies at Williams College.  She brought together many collaborating partners and created an event, which for many was transformative. From the outset, Professor Manigault-Bryant expected the commemoration to be momentous.  Each day was structured to provide attendees and members of  the Williams Community with opportunities to reflect upon significant achievements realized over 50 years.  Those achievements required extraordinary efforts on the part of the administration, faculty, staff, alumni, and students.  The event also offered participants opportunities to consider current efforts aimed at strengthening academic and campus life; as well as those that still need to be undertaken. AFR50 was a glorious celebration that brought together alumni, former and current faculty and staff, students, and others.  This website, BW50+, was inspired by AFR50; and its purpose is to help carry forward the unity achieved over the four days.

 

‘Afro-American studies programs will achieve many things for different people: affirm black identity, pride and confidence, and provide clear perspectives for future courses of action…’ Joseph E. Harris, first chair of Afro-American Studies (1973).