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from Brown University's Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World

Tag: Black archaeologists (Page 1 of 2)

Society of Black Archaeologists | April Newsletter

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On April 11, 2024

In News and Events

The Society of Black Archaeology (SBA) has released their April newsletter! See below for some highlights from their announcements, as well as more information on how to get involved.

Updates

2024 Meeting of the Society for American Archaeology | The 89th Annual Meeting of the Society for American Archaeology will take place on April 17-21, 2024. Many members of the SBA will be attending and are planning to get together for dinner! Email Jordan Daivs [secretary@societyofblackarchaeologists.com] to let them know if you are interested in attending or will be in town!

African American Burial Grounds Preservation Program | The SBA is asking for your help in getting the African American Burial Grounds Preservation Program S.3667 and H.R.6805) approved appropriation from Congress to implement the program! The program establishes a $3 million annual grant program to aid preservation and research of African American burial grounds across the country, protecting invaluable sites of community and memory. The SBA asks for you to contact your Congressperson to approve the $3 million dollar budget and visit the National Trust for Historic Preservation page to write a letter of support that will be sent immediately to your State Representative.

Opportunities

The University of Missouri Research Reactor’s Archaeometry Laboratory | This workshop is to provide historical archaeologists with fundamental skills in archaeological sciences. It will take place from August 5th-8th, 2024. The workshop is open to graduate students and early career researchers in historical archaeology; attendees do not need previous experiences with archaeological science. The workshop is in person, and will be held in Columbia, Missouri. Each attendee will be reimbursed for up to $600 in travel and housing expenses. To find out more information, as well as how to apply to the workshop, please see this link. Questions may be sent to Matt Greer at mcgkkb@missouri.edu.

For more information on opportunities exclusive to SBA members, as well as how to get involved with the Society of Black Archaeologists, please visit the SBA website here.

Updates from the Society of Black Archaeologists

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On February 23, 2024

In CFP, News and Events

 

The Society of Black Archaeologists (SBA) has released their February Newsletter! Featured information includes upcoming publications, conferences, and call for papers.

Publications

  • Dossiê Arqueologias Negras: nossas lutas, nossas histórias – Primeira parte – NegrArqueo has recently published a special issue on Black Archaeology in the journal Revista de Arqueologia v. 37 n. 1 (2024).

Upcoming Events

  • The Northwest Anthropological Conference: Portland, Oregon | March 6-9, 2024 – The 2024 theme is “Building Bridges”: Consultation and Community Engagement, Registration is now open. This conference will also host a Tribal Caucus, the Portland Indigenous Marketplace with other vendors/organizations, a silent auction to support local nonprofits (The Chúush Fund: Water for Warm Springs, and All Tribes Mental Health Services, Inc.), and much more! Tribal member admission is free and there is a stipend application for tribal members to cover costs of attendance through the Association of Oregon Archaeologists (AOA). See the nwaconference.com website for more details
  • Anthropology and the Black Experience Conference | May 15-18, 2024 – The Association of Black Anthropologists (ABA), Society of Black Archaeologists (SBA), and the Black in BioAnth (BiBA) Collective are pleased to host The Anthropology and the Black Experience Conference, May 15-18, 2023 at University of Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar, Senegal. The 21st century has witnessed significant shifts in the anthropological landscape, with diverse voices and perspectives emerging to challenge traditional narratives. This conference seeks to explore the unique contributions and experiences of Black scholars in anthropology, emphasizing the rich tapestry of knowledge, methodologies, and insights they bring to the discipline. They invite scholars, researchers, and students from all sub-disciplines and related fields to reflect on the historiography of anthropology in Africa and the African diaspora, the role and contributions of people of African descent in the field, and the latest research being done by and in communities of African descent.

Opportunities 

  • Herskovits Library of African Studies Research Grant | Northwestern University – The Northwestern University Melville J. Herskovits Library of African Studies is one of the largest separate African studies libraries in existence. Applications are open for the 2024-2025 Northwestern Libraries Travel Grants. This travel grant was established in 2021 to facilitate and support research projects that significantly benefit from substantial onsite use of the unique, special and archival collections of the Herskovits Library. The grant is available to researchers whose projects explore new lines of inquiry, interdisciplinary and multi-layered research and contribute to the deeper understanding of the diverse peoples and countries of the African continent. The deadline to apply is April 1, 2024.
  • Call for Papers – Archaeologies of Crisis and Constraint: African Tales from the Field | Conservation and Management of Archaeological Sites – Contributors are asked to discuss the ways in which catastrophic or unexpected events influence the practice of heritage research, fieldwork, and management in Africa. In the issue, authors will detail how these occurrences (that we sometimes might not disclose) force us to adopt new innovative strategies that drive our work in new and exciting ways that would otherwise have not taken place. Email an abstract of no more than 300 words by April 1 2024 to Rachel Ama Asaa Engmann [raaengmann@theafricainstitute.org]
  • SBA Conference Travel Award – The award offers support for non-US SBA members traveling to present research at scholarly conferences. SBA will provide a total award of up to $1000 USD. Award funding is intended for conference and travel-related expenses, including conference registration, travel (e.g., airfare, vehicle rentals), and room/board. Questions about the award can be sent to treasurer@societyofblackarchaeologists.com

For more information on the SBA, as well as how to support their staff and scholars, please visit their website here.

2024 Black History Month at the Institute | Field Schools

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On February 21, 2024

In Fieldwork Opportunity, News and Events

4 silhouettes on a black background (Black History Month 2024 logo)

Black History Month is a time to honor the contributions African Americans have made to the United States and the world at large, both in the past and present. This February at the Joukowsky Institute, we are highlighting resources created by and for African American scholars of archaeology and anthropology. This will be a three part series with each blog post focusing on different aspects of contemporary African American archaeology: Associations and Archives, Resources and Funding for Black Students, and Field School Opportunities. This week’s post will highlight field schools centered around African American heritage sites, and that emphasize collaboration with descendant communities.

 
2024 Summer Field Schools of African American Archaeology
 

Montpelier Field School | The Montpelier Field School is open for applications for their 2024 Summer season. This year they will be documenting the Montpelier Burial Ground of the Enslaved to support the Montpelier Descendants Committee’s efforts in building a memorial adjacent to the burial ground. Students will be trained in foundational excavation methods, as well as get hands-on experience working with descendant communities. Applications may be accessed here. 

Slave House Exploration and Evidence Tracing Field School (SHEET) | SHEET is an initiative of Saving Slave Houses’ Pharsalia Plantation Co-Stewardship Project aimed at preserving the histories of slave houses and their descendant communities. Interns will practice oral histories documentation and interpretation, as well as how to collect spatial data in the field. Applications open soon. 

Black Life in Bellevue Field School | Washington College’s Center for Environment and Society is sponsoring an archaeological field school entitled “Black Life in Bellevue: Documenting African American Cultural Landscape Along the Chesapeake Bay.”  Students will learn how to document cultural landscapes—measuring, drawing, and photography—as well as how to employ geographic information system mapping to digitize the Bellevue village. Contact co-directors Michael Chiarappa and Janet Sheridan to get involved. 

Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest Field School | The University of Virginia and Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest is hosting a Summer Field School in Historical Archaeology. Students will excavate sites of enslavement at the Poplar Forest plantation, including a stable, slave quarter, and other features associated with Jefferson’s plantation. Students will gain practical skills in survey, excavation, and mapping. Applications currently available.

If you are interested in discovering more field schools centered around African American or African Diaspora archaeology, please see resources available on the Society for Black Archaeologists and the African Diaspora Archaeology Network‘s websites. The Institute wishes you a happy Black History Month!

*Compiled and Written by Christina Miles (`25)

2024 Black History Month at the Institute | Resources for Black Students

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On February 16, 2024

In Funding & Fellowships, News and Events

Black History Month is a time to honor the contributions African Americans have made to the United States and the world at large, both in the past and present. This February at the Joukowsky Institute, we are highlighting resources created by and for African American scholars of archaeology and anthropology. This will be a three part series with each blog post focusing on different aspects of contemporary African American archaeology: Associations and Archives, Resources and Funding for Black Students, and Field School Opportunities. This week’s post will highlight resources and funding available for African American/Black students to help them achieve their academic and career goals, both in the field of archaeology and beyond.

Funding and Resources for African American/Black Students

Student Excellence in Archaeology Scholarships (SEAS) | The SEAS is sponsored by the Society for American Archaeology. It aims to support students of historically underrepresented backgrounds in archaeology. Two scholarships are awarded each year to two undergraduates for training or research in archaeology, with an award up to $1,000. They award up to $3,000 for graduate students to help pay for tuition, books, travel costs, supplies, and equipment.

BIPOC Scholarships for Fieldwork Participation | This grant is sponsored by the American Society for Overseas Research. They award six scholarships of $2,000 to African American or Indigenous students of color that are participating in an ASOR-affiliated archaeological summer project.

The Sportula Micro-grants for Classics Students | The Sportula is a mutual aid group dedicated to providing funding for working class and underrepresented scholars in the field of Classics. They provide $5-$300 micro grants as well as non-monetary support for those in need, no questions asked. Supplies and funds are limited, so please be mindful.

Black Trowel Collective Micro-grants | The Black Trowel Collective provies micro-grants for African American/Black students of archaeology. Similar to Sportula, they are a mutual aid group made up of underrepresented professionals in the field of archaeology. They provide up to $300 in funding; they are not currently accepting funding requests, but will in the future. Supplies and funds are limited, so please be mindful.

Agnes Jones Johnson Scholarship | Sponsored by the NAACP, this scholarship awards $2,000 to any Black or African American student under the age of 25 currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited institution. Financial need requirements and GPA requirements apply. Applicants must be members of the NAACP.

Frank M. Snowden Jr. Undergraduate Scholarship | This scholarship is sponsored by the Committee on Diversity in the Profession of the Society for Classical Studies. It provides up to $4,500 in funding for undergraduate students who are participating in in a classical summer program or field school within the Mediterranean. It is aimed at students of underrepresented ethnic and racial groups.

The resources highlighted in this list are not exhaustive, and we encourage you to seek out more opportunities that support African American and Black students in their academic pursuits. Please stay tuned for next week’s post: Field School Opportunities.

*Compiled and written by Christina Miles (`25) 

 

2024 Black History Month at the Institute | Associations and Archives

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On February 7, 2024

In News and Events

Black History Month is a time to honor the contributions African Americans have made to the United States and the world at large, both in the past and present. This February at the Joukowsky Institute, we are highlighting resources created by and for African American scholars of archaeology and anthropology. This will be a three part series with each blog post focusing on different aspects of contemporary African American archaeology: Associations and Archives, Resources and Funding for Black Students, and Field School Opportunities. This week’s post will focus on the intellectual spaces Black and African American scholars have made for themselves within the field, as well as the archives of invaluable knowledge they have maintained and preserved.

Associations and Archives

African Diaspora Archaeology Network (ADAN) | ADAN is an online platform that hosts current news on archaeological studies of the African diaspora. They have archived hundreds of texts relating to the material culture and heritage of the African Diaspora, as well as publish a quarterly online Newsletter. ADAN’s goal is to build an intellectual community for researchers of the African Diaspora, including interdisciplinary studies of African-diasporic material culture.

Journal of African Diaspora Archaeology and Heritage | This journal publishes peer-reviewed articles on the archaeology, history, material culture, and heritage of African descendant populations. Work published in this article spans across the globe, and features topics ranging from the foodways of the African Diaspora to urban archaeology, and more. They publish a compiled volume of work three times a year, including special issues. Their archive of all past issues may be found here.

The World Wide Web of African Archaeology | This site is an archive of archaeological studies and projects pertaining to the heritage of Africans. The website includes a bibliography of work done in Central Africa, a list of institutions and universities pioneering studies of African archaeology, and a list of ancient maps/documents important to studying African archaeology.

Society of Black Archaeologists (SBA) | The SBA was founded in 2011 with the goal to uplift Black and African communities related to the field of archaeology, as well as build a network for Black and African scholars. They host webinar series related to racial equity, community archaeology, and socially-responsible archaeology, and send out a monthly newsletter highlighting opportunities for Black and African archaeologists.

The Association for Black Anthropologists (ABA) | The ABA is a flagship society founded in the 1970s with the intention of making space for Black/African American scholars to enter the field of anthropology. Their members include sociocultural anthropologists, medical anthropologists, biological/physical anthropologists, and archaeologists of various disciplines. They publish work that critically engages with how the discipline of anthropology can better serve Black communities around the world. This year, they are hosting a conference in Senegal entitled “Anthropology and the Black Experience.”

We encourage you to explore more of the amazing work Black and African American archaeologists pioneering today. Please stay tuned for next week’s post: Resources and Funding for Black Students.

*Compiled and written by Christina Miles (`25) 

Society of Black Archaeologists: January Updates

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On January 26, 2024

In CFP, Funding & Fellowships, News and Events

The Society of Black Archaeologists (SBA) wishes you a happy new year! This January, the SBA highlights some of their members’ achievements, as well as announces their new SBA elected officials.

2024 Elected Officials

President-elect: Alicia Odewale

Secretary: Jordan Davis

Treasurer: Craig Stevens

Student Representative: Rebecca Davis

 

Milestones & Achievements 

  • Congratulations to the Back-to-Africa Heritage and Archaeology Project (BAHA) for receiving the Society for Historical Archaeology Mark E. Mack Community Engagement Awards for January 2024! The award honors research project teams who exhibit outstanding best practices in community collaboration, engagement, and outreach in their historical archaeology and heritage preservation work. The BAHA team is being acknowledged for their public archaeology and curation efforts at Providence Island and the National Museum of Liberia. Shoutout to the BAHA team for the great work!
Upcoming Events & Opportunities 
  • The Archaeological Society of Jamaica: “Public Archaeology and Heritage at White Marl” Virtual Webinar | Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 6:00 PM local time – This engaging session will delve into the rich tapestry of Heritage and Archaeology at White Marl in Central Village, Saint Catherine.The focus will be on exploring the intricacies of this complex, organized pre-colonial site and shedding light on the potential risks it faces in the context of highway development. The discussion will extend to the profound concepts of memory and heritage, connecting decades of archaeological research to the contemporary life of the modern community surrounding the site. Join for an enlightening evening as we uncover the layers of history, weaving together the threads of the past with the challenges and opportunities of the present.
  • “Anthropology and the Black Experience” Dakar, Senegal | May 15-18, 2024 – The Association of Black Anthropologists (ABA), Society of Black Archaeologists (SBA), and the Black in BioAnth (BiBA) Collective are pleased to announce a call for papers for a conference entitled “Anthropology and the Black Experience.” The 21st century has witnessed significant shifts in the anthropological landscape, with diverse voices and perspectives emerging to challenge traditional narratives. This conference seeks to explore the unique contributions and experiences of Black scholars in anthropology, emphasizing the rich tapestry of knowledge, methodologies, and insights they bring to the discipline. We invite scholars, researchers, and students from all sub-disciplines and related fields to reflect on the historiography of anthropology in Africa and the African diaspora, the role and contributions of people of African descent in the field, and the latest research being done by and in communities of African descent.
  • SBA Conference Travel Award | The award offers support for non-US SBA members traveling to present research at scholarly conferences. SBA will provide a total award of up to $1000 USD. Award funding is intended for conference and travel-related expenses, including conference registration, travel (e.g., airfare, vehicle rentals), and room/board. Questions about the review criteria and the award can be directed to treasurer@societyofblackarchaeologists.com
  • Climate Change and Archaeology Survey | The Heritage-at-Risk Task Force of the Southeastern Archaeological Conference (SEAC) is conducting a short survey on the effects of climate change on the practice of archaeology and the resources we study. They invite all SBA members to contribute!
For more information on the SBA, please visit their webpage linked here.
SBA logo

Society of Black Archaeologists | SBA Elections – Deadline December 22, 2023

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On December 12, 2023

In News and Events

SBA logo

We are excited to announce the opening of elections for the Society of Black Archaeologists! 

Your vote is essential, as it plays a vital role in shaping the future of our community.

Your vote is crucial in determining the future direction of our organization.

Your vote ensures that your voice is heard in selecting leaders who represent your values and priorities.

Every vote matters, and your participation strengthens the democratic process within our community.

Vote here: [ Link ]

To ensure a smooth and secure voting process, please follow these instructions:

  • Take the time to familiarize yourself with the candidates running for each position.
  • Read their personal statements and gain a better understanding of their proposed initiatives and plans.
  • Make an informed decision based on your assessment of each candidate.
  • Click on the circle next to your chosen candidate for each position.
  • If you would like to cast a vote for an SBA member not listed, you may write in an SBA member by selecting the circle next to the word “other”.
  • Before finalizing your vote, review your selections.
  • Confirm your vote by clicking submit.
  • Once confirmed, your choices are submitted and cannot be changed.

The voting period ends on December 22nd, 2023.

Ensure you cast your vote before the deadline to have your voice heard.

Link to SBA Ballot : [ Link ]

Thank you for your active participation in the democratic process of the Society of Black Archaeologists!

If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to the nominations committee at admin@societyofblackarchaeologists.com

SBA logo

CFP: Anthropology and the Black Experience – Deadline December 31, 2023

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On December 8, 2023

In CFP

SBA logo

The Association of Black Anthropologists (ABA), Society of Black Archaeologists (SBA), and the Black in BioAnth (BiBA) Collective are pleased to announce a call for papers for a conference entitled “Anthropology and the Black Experience.” The 21st century has witnessed significant shifts in the anthropological landscape, with diverse voices and perspectives emerging to challenge traditional narratives. This conference seeks to explore the unique contributions and experiences of Black scholars in anthropology, emphasizing the rich tapestry of knowledge, methodologies, and insights they bring to the discipline. The SBA invites scholars, researchers, and students from all sub-disciplines and related fields to reflect on the historiography of anthropology in Africa and the African diaspora, the role and contributions of people of African descent in the field, and the latest research being done by and in communities of African descent.

Abstract Submission Deadline: December 31, 2023
Notification of Acceptance: Late January

To apply, click this link. Please email all questions and inquiries to globalblackanthro@gmail.com.

Last Call – ARCE AM 2024 Grant for Underrepresented Students

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On December 8, 2023

In Funding & Fellowships

To increase opportunities and access to the ARCE Annual Meeting for students from typically underrepresented groups, ARCE will offer the 2024 ARCE Annual Meeting Grant for Underrepresented Students (ARCE Grant) to a maximum of five (5) eligible undergraduate or graduate students whose studies are related to (or who have an interest in studying) Nile Valley cultures through the disciplines of Egyptology, Nubiology, Africology, Art History, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical, Coptic, Islamic, Middle East, and African Studies, or other related fields. Awardees will be paired with Ph.D. students or early career scholars who will act as mentors during the Annual Meeting.

Up to five grants will be awarded annually. The ARCE Grant will pay all fees related to (i) Annual Meeting registration; (ii) lodging costs and breakfast at the host hotel for each night of the Annual Meeting; and (iii) transportation costs (up to a maximum of $500) incurred in attending the Annual Meeting. Prior to the Annual Meeting, Awardees must consult with the US ARCE Office to arrange registration, lodging, and transportation. ARCE will purchase air or train tickets on behalf of, and in consultation with, awardees. Awardees will be responsible for costs in excess of $500.

Application Deadline: December 15, 2023 11:59 PM EST.

To learn more and apply, click this link.

Brown’s Choices Program Curriculum: Colonization and Independence in Africa

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On November 17, 2023

In News and Events

In the late nineteenth century, European powers claimed the African continent for themselves. But Africans did not submit to outside control willingly. How did Africans resist European colonialism?

The Choice’s Program’s popular curriculum unit “Colonization and Independence in Africa” explores Africa before colonialism. Students then examine African responses and resistance to colonialism, the challenges of independence, and the legacies of colonialism and independence. They delve into four case studies (Algeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Democratic Republic of the Congo) and consider the changes colonialism imposed on governments, economies, and societies. The unit contains seven lesson plans that cover political geography, photo analysis, oral history, and assessment of primary and secondary sources.

This curriculum unit is part of our new Africana Studies Series that helps students critically examine, explore, and analyze unique experiences of African people and African-descended people.

For the curriculum, click this link. For more information on the Choices Program’s Africana Studies, click this link.

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