South Carolina HBCU Launches Think Tank to Focus on Southern Black History, Culture and Policy
By Herb Frazier
ORANGEBURG, S.C.
Claflin University is recruiting young scholars for a new institute focused on the study of African-American history and culture in the South. The institute aims to become a voice to shape public policy on issues affecting Black Americans.
The Jonathan Jasper Wright Institute for the Study of Southern African American History, Culture and Policy is the first of its kind, says
Dr. Brian L. Johnson, the institute’s director.
“We want to bring to bear all of the university’s resources to create a cohesive group of young scholars,” he says. “This isn’t an exercise to see if it works, then we’d back out.
We want it to be a permanent part of the fabric of Claflin University.”
Johnson adds that the research conducted at the institute will shape the debate around contemporary issues affecting Blacks and Whites. “The experience of White Southerners is intimately tied to Black culture,” he says.
