2027 African American Studies Student Symposium
February 19, 2027
An interdisciplinary symposium open to undergraduate and graduate students from any discipline whose work centers or intersects with Black studies and Black people.
While we invite projects of all scopes, we seek and historically have accepted projects in the following topics:
- Art
- Sociology
- History
- Science
- Theory
- Engineering
- Literature
- Education
- Film
- Theatre
- Music
Frequently asked questions
— Project abstract (no more than 350 words)
— A headshot (we will photograph you if you do not have one)
— A short, 150-word biography written in third person
No, undergraduate and graduate students of any discipline are welcome to apply.
Yes, the Department of African American Studies recognizes outstanding work with awards. Graduate students and undergraduate students have their own categories.
Yes, every accepted project and participant have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a faculty member in the Department of African American Studies. During the application process, you’ll have the chance to request a certain faculty member.
Note: not all faculty members will be available.
The Department of African American Studies at UW-Madison believes strongly in an interdisciplinary education. We welcome all projects that center Black people, Black populations, Black culture, and Black studies.
If you’re unsure, reach out to Dr. Max Felker-Kantor (felkerkantor@wisc.edu) to discuss your project at length.
Final projects will be due one week before the symposium. If you’re presenting with slides, this gives staff time to load slides into a deck. Staff also needs time to prepare final print materials and marketing materials.
The programming committee will group accepted projects together based on similar themes and goals of projects. During the symposium, students will have the opportunity to both present their research and to be in conversation with others. Where does the work intersect?
All are welcome. We invite friends, colleagues, parents, partners, professors, and community partners to join us.
Details on how-to RSVP forthcoming.
Resistance, community, and praxis
Recognizing student scholarship at second annual symposium
On February 27, 2026, the Department of African American Studies hosted our second annual student symposium in the Memorial Union’s Tripp Commons, drawing scholars, students, and community members together for a full day of exchange on Black studies; the event centered research in the arts, activism, and theory.