Queens’ Black Studies Minor, expected to launch in fall 2021, has been awarded two positions through the Queen’s National Scholar (QNS) program.
QNS was first established in 1985, with the objective to “enrich teaching and research in newly developing fields of knowledge as well as traditional disciplines,” with those appointed under the program committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).
The program has historically selected emerging leaders in teaching and research to develop innovative academic programming, expanding the interdisciplinary field of Black Studies at Queen’s.
This selection follows a commitment by Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane to broaden the hiring process for faculty of the BA Minor/General in Black Studies, as well as a University-wide pledge to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigeneity implementation.
The QNS Chair in Black Studies in the Faculty of Arts and Science was also established, as well as two QNS appointments to support the Black Studies program which are open to all faculties and schools.
“The Queen’s National Scholar program attracts top talent, ensuring growth and renewal of our university’s efforts to advance research and provide an exceptional student learning experience,” Principal Patrick Deane wrote in a statement.
“This year, we are excited to announce that the program will be dedicated to delivering on our promise to launch a BA Minor/General in Black Studies, boosting our capacity for excellence in this important field and championing greater diversity among our faculties.”
The BA Minor/ General in Black Studies was established to cohesively unify existing Black studies courses in Arts and Science, predominantly led by Professor Katherine McKittrick.
McKittrick, a professor in the Gender Studies Department, played a key role in the development of this program, including courses on Caribbean political economies, water politics in Southern Africa, Black sound studies, African American history, Black feminist thought, and Black geographies.
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The QNS appointments provide foundational support to the Black Studies program, which has been stated to diversify curriculum, increase access to interdisciplinary programs, and offer programs which engage intellectual curiosity within and beyond Western knowledge frameworks.
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