Introduction

This book brings together chapters authored by leading African American Studies/Black Studies scholars in the USA and the UK. It focuses on the roots of the discipline, reaching back to early brilliant Black intellectuals, discusses the historical and epistemological development of formal Black Studies, setting these in their socio-political contexts, and presents research methodologies and guidelines that are appropriate and valid for people of African descent. A number of chapters direct attention to the discipline’s longstanding commitment to social responsibility with chapters that focus on arts and activism, service learning and civic engagement, and present tangible examples for students. The book concludes with chapters on diverse research topics inclusive of history and gender, literature, sport, music, representation in comic books, afrofuturism, and the Black Studies Movement in the UK.