Editor’s Note: As headquarters for the National Council for Black Studies, the University of Delaware is leading a nationwide effort to expand the NCBS Honor Society to include university chapters. NCBS Executive Director and UD Professor Alicia Fontnette spearheaded this initiative with an inaugural cohort of 10 Blue Hen undergraduates. “As we continue to grow, I’m excited that UD will be pioneering many of the initiatives for chapters worldwide, from community service projects to research opportunities,” Fontnette said. 

Students were selected for their commitment to Africana studies, community service and academic rigor (all must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA). The following Q&A is part of a larger series spotlighting these charter members.

Aliyah Harrison knew she wanted to be involved in Africana studies the second she received her acceptance letter to the University of Delaware.

“I made sure to communicate this with my advisor and took AFRA110 with the amazing Professor Drew Brown my first semester,” she said. “After that class I knew that I needed to continue my education into this field.”

As a cognitive science major, with minors in disability studies and Africana studies, Harrison hopes to work as a speech therapist for underserved minority communities. 

Here, she shares more about her experience as a student and NCBS Honor Society member.

What brought you to UD? 

As a Delawarean, I was already familiar with the campus, opportunities and community offered here. My older sister also went to UD and enjoyed her experience, so I had a firsthand account of what my time could be like.

What has been your favorite Africana studies course?  

Either HIST220: Civil Rights Movement with Professor Brandon Stanford or SOCI215: Race in Society with Professor Felicia Henry. These were both discussion-heavy classes and really forced me to confront what I thought I knew about the world and how our country was built, and how this history still affects our present. 

What was the most surprising or interesting thing you learned? 

I find it very difficult to pick one singular thing because Africana classes teach you more about the past to help you understand the present. 

What’s something you wish more people knew? 

That Africana studies is for everyone! I've encountered many people that don't realize that Africana studies is not exclusively for a singular group of people. 

Why did you want to join the NCBS Honor Society?

I wanted to make sure that I am always placing myself in environments that can further my educational experience. I was also excited by the chance to be surrounded by people who value education and, specifically, education about Africana-related things.