Re-establishing African American and Diasporic Humanities Public Programs at the Atlanta University Center Woodruff Library

FAIN: ZPP-284200-22

Robert W. Woodruff Library (Atlanta, GA 30314-4207)
Kimberley Bugg (Project Director: May 2021 to December 2021)
Andrea Jackson Gavin (Project Director: December 2021 to November 2023)

The retention of five positions and honoraria for scholars involved in two public symposia and a speakers’ series related to the Woodruff Library’s extensive archival repositories on African American history, life, and culture.

The Atlanta University Center (AUC) Woodruff Library seeks $220,400 in funding for a project to reestablish African American and Diasporic Humanities Public Programs, recognizing the lives and works of underrepresented scholars and activists. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the Library’s ability to host three existing symposia and speakers series programs – traditionally held in person – in 2020 and 2021. These free humanities public events drew large participation, fostered community engagement, broadened awareness of historical resources, and sparked humanities discourse in the AUC – the largest consortium of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the world. With support, staff will plan and execute the re-establishment of programs on Asa G. Hilliard, III and Walter Rodney, as well as create a new program honoring Joseph E. and Evelyn G. Lowery. Digital exhibitions will be curated to provide virtual access, and enhance the unique, archival collections of these individuals.