The Center for African American Studies (CAAS) is charged with advancing the diversification of the educational life and culture at the University of Texas at Arlington through the institutionalization of the African American Studies degree program, the recruitment and retention of African American students, the production and nurturing of African American faculty and staff, and the development and dissemination of research and scholarship in the field.

Another essential component of the CAAS’s charter is the establishment of an active and interactive public mission and community outreach program designed to keep it engaged with the African American communities of Tarrant and Dallas counties.

CAAS will facilitate the discourse that focuses on understanding the concept of race and ethnicity and elucidate the significant context of historical, cultural, and community influences on the diverse experiences and conditions of Blacks in America.

It will also address the institutional and political factors impacting African Americans locally, nationally, and globally, and prepare stakeholders to advocate for social transformation and justice.

A collaboration between the College of Liberal Arts and the School of Social Work, the Center will serve as a vital intellectual resource and social support for the community, on and off campus.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Center for African American Studies at the University of Texas at Arlington is to cultivate an exceptional transdisciplinary experience through teaching, civic engagement, and community-based research focused on the diverse contextual conditions of African Americans.

Our purpose is to foster the development of student, faculty, and community capacity to create progressive solutions that address social problems.

Vision

CAAS will be an international leader of scholarship on historical and contemporary experiences and conditions of African Americans:

We hope to enlighten, inspire, and cultivate students, faculty, and community members to be an integral part of social justice advocacy and life-enhancing transformations.