Dr. Michael Williams at the 2024 Blue and Gold Preview Day. Photo by Angela Foster.
Dr. Michael Williams joined the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in August as the director of Africana Studies, which is currently available to students as a minor. He also teaches several Africana Studies courses in the Department of History.
At UTC, Williams’ mission is to share with students the role this field plays—not only in various career paths but as a lifelong perspective that can deepen one’s understanding of society and culture.
What brought you to UTC?
“I was really excited about the position itself. The program here was rapidly growing and doing meaningful work and they wanted to push it even further. It was a great opportunity to get on the ground floor and see if I could offer my services to push it in the direction that UTC wanted it to go.
“I’m from the South—a small town called Etta, Mississippi. To be here is an opportunity to teach students in this geographical area, which is ripe for connecting students with other institutions, programs and opportunities within the area. I’m excited about that, too.”
Why did you gravitate toward Africana studies?
“That goes back to my parents, actually. They were very Afrocentric in their values and how they raised us, so I grew up with a strong foundation in African history and Black experiences and how important that was for our understanding. I’m the oldest of 11 siblings, and my parents instilled in us a deep knowledge and respect for African history.
“Africana studies takes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the African descendant experience from a holistic perspective. It looks at how these experiences have shaped world cultures and societies, especially in the United States. For me, Africana studies is also about understanding the progression of humanity because African and African descendant people have been so integral to that story.”
Why should students be interested in Africana studies? How could the program help someone in their future career?
Dr. Michael Williams
“Africana studies covers a swath of history that many students haven’t been exposed to before. Once they start learning about it, they gain a deeper understanding of how societies have developed and what’s often been left out. It helps students piece together a larger picture of world history, giving them context for understanding how African and African descendant people have influenced global progress. Students who really want a real grounding and understanding of society as a whole—Africana studies will provide them that.
“Employers are looking for individuals who have some cultural competency, who have an understanding of other ethnic groups and their history. Students who take courses in Africana studies have a larger understanding of African histories, cultures and worldviews, which is valuable in any career.
“From the personal aspect of it, it will enhance how they see themselves and how they see society and the development of the world—strengthening the voice that they have so that they’ll be more confident in challenging inequalities. A lot of students come to college campuses already entrenched in community activism and community work. African studies will provide them the avenue to enhance that.”
What does the Africana Studies program entail?
“Right now, Africana Studies at UTC is a minor. It requires 18 hours, or six classes, which includes a couple of required courses—one in minority studies and one in Africana studies. The rest of the credits can come from a list of elective courses. Any student interested in the minor can come talk to me, and we can build a plan that fits their goals.”
How can students learn more and join the program?
“I invite students to come by, sit down and talk to me about the program and get to know more about it. I am a student-oriented person. I have an open-door policy, so I invite students to come by and talk to me and get a chance to know me. Even if it’s not about Africana studies, but if you have other questions about careers or the institution itself, I’m here.”
What’s your favorite place to be on campus?
“That is a fun question. It would have to be the library and the open space outside of it. It provides a beautiful view and you can get a real sense of the campus. It offers a bit of serenity, too, when you just want to sit back, think and relax.”
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