Student Symposium

Students will be showcasing their research and work during Black History Month by presenting art, literature, and history projects in the Department of African American Studies’ 1st Annual Undergraduate Symposium.

 

When: February 22, 2025 | 9 am – 2 pm

Where: The Pyle Center | AT&T Lounge

Hosted by: Students in the Department of African American Studies

Email kelham@wisc.edu to RSVP.

Micah Sagers is a Biology major from Bowie, Maryland. Sagers is a member of the Black Power Coalition (BPC), Leaders Igniting Transformation (LIT), Bioethics Club, and Minority Association of Pre-Med Students (MAPS).

Kaleb Autman is a multi-disciplined documentarian, writer, scholar, cook, and organizer from the Westside of Chicago. His work has been published by the New York Times, Upfront Magazine, Injustice Watch, and Truthout. A blood memory and survivance worker, Kaleb situates his work on the worlds not yet born. He currently studies Sociology and Legal Studies as a First Wave Scholar. He’s an Eddie Adams Workshop Dietz Awardee.

“Black Study is what I do. I dream in Black. I photograph in Black. Black be a politic.”

Bri Bernard is a second-year student at UW-Madison studying Sociology and Educational Policy Studies. She is originally from the Bronx, New York. Bernard is a scholar of the First Wave Hip Hop and Urban Arts Scholarship Program; she is incredibly passionate about music and is experienced in music production, sound engineering, and music composition. She is the associate director of the Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee and a peer mentor for the Studio Learning Community.

Bryah Lewis is a junior studying Community and Organizational Development at UW-Madison. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lewis is the co-chair and founder of two nonprofits: S.O.U.L and for the femms.

Madelyn Barnhill is a sophomore at UW-Madison studying Studio Art. She is working towards obtaining a certificate in Gender and Women’s Studies, as well as African American Studies. She is originally from Minneapolis and loves music, art, and reality TV.

Sandrine Biagui is a Biology major with a certificate in African American Studies. She notes: “I chose to add a certificate in African American studies to my plan of study because it has given me the opportunity to learn about Black history in a way I haven’t before. I didn’t know the names Amiri Baraka, Fred Hampton, and Sonia Sanchez until reaching college. There is so many interesting people and things to learn about involving the black community that I believe I would not have known had I not chosen this certificate.”

Adam Donahue is a junior at UW-Madison studying History, Political Science, and Environmental Studies from Marshfield, Wisconsin. Donahue is a member of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and the Center for Campus History (CCH).

Kamyia Denson is a UW-Madison senior studying Communication Arts with a certificate in Textiles & Fashion Design. Originally from Washington D.C., she is the President of the Zeta Xi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the co-Editor for The Black Voice, Keynote Project Manager for BHMPC and the Programming Assistant for the Black Cultural Center.

Jayda Smith

Shelby Jantz is a senior double majoring in Education and Legal Studies. She is originally from Kenosha, WI. She is a Mercile J. Lee Scholar and Krug Research fellow and has served two terms on the Diversity and Inclusion Student Advisory Board. The research project she will present at the forum was created in Dr. Stovall’s AAS 673 class, Blackness in U.S. Public Schools.

Joseph Bolden is a sophomore studying Theatre & Drama and English. Originally from Chicago, Bolden is currently a School of Education Student Ambassador and a member of the Iceberg Improv Club.

Selena Baker is a Communication Arts major (Radio/TV/Film) from Baltimore, Maryland. She is the Vice President of Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority, the social media manager for the UW Madison Archives, an Oral History Project Student Staff, and a First Wave Scholar (14th Co). She notes: “I chose the African American studies certificate because I found that my African American studies courses were some of my most insightful courses where I can engage in writing, history, and culture as well as connecting with amazing professors in the department.”

Jaycelie Stewart 

DeOnna Garrison

Heaven Williams

Heaven Williams is a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying Health Promotion and Health Equity (B.S.) with certificates in African American Studies and Disability Rights and Services. Born and raised in Kenosha, Wisconsin, she is passionate about pursuing a career in public health, advocating for Black and Brown communities, as well as Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals. On campus, she is actively involved in organizations such as Queen in You, the Health Promotion and Health Equity Learning Community Leadership, and Badgers Sign UW (American Sign Language Group), where she serves as Founder and President. She is also a Team Leader for Badgers Volunteer, a member of the Center for Academic Excellence Advisory Board, a mentor in the School of Education Buddy Program, a committee member for the African American Undergraduate Symposium, and a Student Representative for the 55th African American Anniversary Celebration. This summer, she looks forward to securing an internship in the public health sector to deepen her understanding and gain hands-on experience in the field.

Micah Scarlett

Micah Scarlett is a second-semester senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, triple majoring in Political Science, Legal Studies, and African American Studies. Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, Micah found a deep passion for history through the African American Studies program, which led him to switch from a STEM major halfway through his college career. Delving deeply into policy studies led him to participate in an esteemed co-op in Washington, D.C., where he engaged with the democratic system through work on Capitol Hill. Looking to pursue a career in politics, Micah strives to involve himself more in the Madison and Wisconsin community broadly to ensure their priorities are heard on the national stage. He is excited to graduate in May and continue to grow in knowledge and experience through work in our nation’s capital.

Lia Glass

Lia Glass is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Consumer Behavior and Marketplace Studies, with certificates in Entrepreneurship, African American Studies, and Business. On campus, Lia serves on the Executive Board for QTPOC as the Financial and Social Media Chair, is a member of Queen in You, contributes to the 1st Symposium Planning Committee in the African American Studies Department, and is an active member of the Sisterhood Committee for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Beyond campus, Lia recently completed a Brand Marketing Internship and has gained international experience through study abroad programs in Costa Rica, London, and Paris. Her passion for merchandising has been shaped by hands-on learning at industry events such as the NRF Student Program 2024, MAGIC, and Off-price Trade Shows, where she has expanded her knowledge of retail trends and consumer insights. As a CEO Scholar and Gilman Scholar Alumni, Lia has also had the opportunity to network with industry professionals, alumni, and Sorors, further strengthening her understanding of the field and building connections that will support her future career. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in merchandising, leveraging her expertise in consumer behavior, retail strategy, and brand marketing to drive innovation in the industry.

Hope Kelham

Communications and Events Specialist

kelham@wisc.edu

Dr. Sandra Adell

Professor, African American Studies

saadell@wisc.edu