Special Topics and Research Projects in Black Studies

Directed Studies and Research Projects are also available through individual departments for students who want to include individual specialized research in the minor.

Research projects

Launched in the summer of 2005 the Geuwel Tradition Research Project has the purpose of researching and documenting the geuwel tradition as it has manifested historically from the 19th century, to how it is being transformed in the present, modern era of the 21st century. This research project focuses on the Faye family of Dakar, from their 19th century ancestor who was the first Baj Geuwel (or Grand Griot) of the Cap Vert peninsula (Dakar and the surrounding area) to the present generation of young geuwels just entering adulthood. This covers five generations of the family, and explores the history of Dakar (and Senegal) from the years prior to French colonization, up to the present era. In addition to the genealogical and historical aspects of this study, there is a cultural aspect as the history and uses of traditional music and dance forms will also be examined.

For information contact: Robert A. Bellinger, History Department

The Senegalese-American Student Teaching Program (Dakar, Senegal)
see BLKST 510 below

In February 2006, the New England chapter of the African American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS New England), and the Black Studies Program/History Department at Suffolk University launched the Freedman’s Bureau Papers Project. Organized by Brenda McKinley of AAHGS New England and Prof. Robert A. Bellinger of Suffolk University, the purpose of this joint project is to create a catalog of the materials in the Freedman’s Bureau Papers. The Freedman’s Bureau Papers contain a wide range of information “about the African American experience during slavery and freedom.”

The records contain documents such as registers that give the names, ages, and former occupations of freedmen and names and residences of former owners. In addition there are marriage registers. . . census lists, details of labor and apprenticeship agreements, complaint registers, personal data about Black soldiers . . . and a variety of documentation relating to the social and economic conditions of the black family. (NARA Reference Information Paper 108, Black Family Research, 3)

Because of the age of the documents and to make them more available to researchers, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) began the process of putting the Freedman’s Bureau Papers on film. Working in cooperation with the Massachusetts branch of the NARA in Waltham, members of AAHGS New England and students from Suffolk University will take on the task of going through the documents and making a record of the names that appear in them. This project will provide students of black studies or history the opportunity to explore the reconstruction era through the use of primary sources and the completed catalogue will provide an important resource for anyone using the Freedman’s Bureau Papers. A new class that will help students develop research skills while learning about African American history in the reconstruction era has been developed. The class is:

BLKST 469: Research Seminar: African American Life in Slavery and Freedom – Reconstruction and the Freedman’s Bureau Papers

For information contact: Robert A. Bellinger, History Department