Global Black Studies at Western Carolina University: Challenges in a Time of Change

Session Submission Type: Roundtable Discussion

Abstract

This roundtable discusses the student experiences and challenges for Global Black Studies (GBS) at Western Carolina University. Over the past two years the program (and the associated student club) has had some of its founding members graduate, while also having to deal with a change of leadership in the director position. Along with the larger social and cultural context, this panel will discuss how students in the minor or Global Black Studies Club envision the future of GBS at WCU. WCU is a state PWI in the North Carolina Appalachian Mountain region. Black students represent only 6 percent of the student body and less than 2 percent of Jackson County, NC's population is Black. The panel will include members currently in the minor and incoming leadership of the GBS Club.

Sub Unit

• Theory, Practice & Struggle

Chair

• Munene Mwaniki, Western Carolina University

Discussants

• Jasmine Burgess

• Jordan Copper

• Emma McGeady

• Dominic Redmon, Western Carolina University