Black Studies, Black Spaces oral histories

Access and use

Location of collection:
James Madison University
Second Floor Room 203, MSC 1704
Carrier Library
James Madison University
880 Madison Drive
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Tiffany Cole
Phone: (540) 568-3444
Phone: (540) 568-3612
Fax: (540) 568-3405
Restrictions:

This collection is open for research. Agreements with the interviewees govern access to oral history interviews.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collections Library. Contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu) for more information.

Summary

Extent:
22.1 Gigabytes 98 digital files
Creator:
Godfrey, Mollie, 1979-
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains three classroom panel discussion sound recordings as well as forty-one oral history interviews with thirty-six narrators conducted during the Fall 2019 "Black Studies and Black Spaces" course offered by the African, African American, and Diaspora Studies (AAAD) program. The interviews comprise a diverse group of narrators, including community members, faculty (current and former), students, administrators, staff, and alumni, reflecting on their experiences and perspectives related to Black studies and the creation of Black spaces within academic and community contexts.

The materials include 98 digital files comprising audio recordings (.wav), corresponding transcripts (.docx), and supporting documentation (.docx and .pdf). Oral history interviews with Joanne Gabbin, Chervon Moore, David Owusu-Ansah, Jacqueline Walker, and Amanda Yankey were conducted over multiple sessions.

The interviews explore themes such as the historical development of Black Studies as an academic discipline, its impact on institutional policies, the role of Black spaces in fostering identity and community, and the intersection of scholarship and activism. Topics include curriculum development, advocacy for interdisciplinary programs, student-led initiatives, and collaborations with local Black communities. Subthemes address cultural memory preservation, intersectionality (race, gender, and class), critiques of diversity frameworks in academia, and the challenges of sustaining inclusive spaces within predominantly white institutions.

This panel discussion documents the institutional history of JMU's AAAD Studies program through the perspectives of founding faculty members, covering several key themes. The founding of AAAD Studies traces its origins to 1980s student-led initiatives that called for Black-centered curricula, with Dr. Jacqueline Walker detailing her 1976 arrival at Madison College, where she developed early African American history courses. Dr. David Owusu-Ansah recounts the collaborative efforts across departments to secure federal grants for African Studies, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary partnerships with art history, political science, and English. Faculty also reflect on the pedagogical challenges of teaching Africana content to predominantly white student bodies; Dr. Steven Reich discusses his approach to dismantling racialized medical biases through historical analysis, while Dr. Melinda Adams highlights her use of African novels in political science courses to counter Eurocentric scholarship. Additionally, Dr. Walker and Dr. Owusu-Ansah analyze retention strategies for BIPOC faculty, noting that JMU has relied more on interpersonal networks than on structural reforms for support. The panel further critiques JMU's fraught relationship with Harrisonburg's Black communities, with Dr. Reich acknowledging the resistance to archiving local Black history.

This panel discussion features conversations among Black women scholars, educators, and institutional leaders about their experiences in academic environments. The panelists reflect on systemic challenges, professional achievements, and intersectional identities within higher education. Key themes include institutional barriers to advancement, strategies for mentorship and community building, and the impact of race and gender on teaching practices. The discussion covers topics such as tenure processes, interdisciplinary collaboration, and navigating visibility in predominantly white academic institutions. The panelists offer critical insights into the sociopolitical dynamics of academia during the late 20th century. Additionally, the recording includes audience questions related to policy reform and solidarity frameworks. While there is minor background noise, the audio remains clear throughout. This material serves as a primary resource for scholars investigating the historiography of Black feminist thought, institutional equity movements, and oral history methodologies aimed at preserving underrepresented voices.

This panel discussion explores the history and significance of Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs) at James Madison University. The discussion lifts up BGLOs' roles as cultural affirmations and service leadership engines and addresses challenges within JMU's diversity landscape. BGLOs arose in the early 20th century in response to racial exclusion. Dr. Joanne Gabbin notes the founding of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in 1908 at Howard University, focused on combating poverty. Alexander Gabbin traces Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.'s founding in 1911, emphasizing its commitment to academic survival amid racial hostility. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., founded in 1922, began under KKK influence, underscoring the need for community service. Panelists distinguish BGLOs from predominantly white Greek organizations, noting their legal commitment to community uplift. Esther Nizer illustrates Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.'s activism during the 1913 Women's Suffrage March. Panelists share transformative personal journeys shaped by BGLOs, such as Alexander Gabbin, who gained leadership skills through Kappa Alpha Psi, and Chervon Moore, who found mentorship in Sigma Gamma Rho. BGLOs have significantly influenced JMU's diversity, with alumni taking on leadership roles across campus. Despite their legacy, BGLOs face declining visibility and membership due to reduced Black student enrollment and resource disparities. Esther Nizer mentions alumnae initiatives aimed at fostering connections and a need for greater university support. Panelists discuss the tension between tradition and the evolving views of students regarding BGLOs. The alumni networks of BGLOs play a critical role in retention and support. Dr. Joanne Gabbin shares her long-term mentorship with JMU's Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter. Esther Nizer discusses how her alumni chapter focused on scholarships and legislative advocacy, exemplifying BGLOs as lifelong commitments.

Records an interview with Karina Kline-Gabel, Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, College of Arts and Letters, who explores the intersections between Latinx and Black spaces at JMU. Kline-Gabel discusses her bilingual, bicultural background and her advocacy work in supporting the Latinx community on campus and in the broader Harrisonburg community. She addresses the creation of the Madison Hispanic Caucus, her role as advisor to the Latinx Student Alliance, and collaborative efforts between cultural organizations on campus. The interview examines challenges of visibility and accessibility for multicultural spaces, the need for institutional support, and opportunities for cross-cultural programming and understanding.

Documents the reminiscences of Jacob Mayiani, a Data Scientist with a Master's Degree in Integrated Science and Technology, examined through the lens of Black spaces and community at James Madison University. Mayiani discusses his personal background, educational trajectory, and involvement with campus organizations. The interview addresses questions of representation, cultural identity, and the formation of supportive networks within the university environment. Key themes include student leadership, academic achievement, and the navigation of predominantly white institutional spaces.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Molly Godfrey, 2024.
Arrangement:

The collection is divided into two series. The oral histories are arranged alphabetically by surname of interviewee.

  1. Classroom Panel Discussion Sound Recordings, 2019
  2. Oral History Interviews, 2019
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard