March 05, 2019

Adding an Africana studies minor to her anthropology major allowed Zaida Bryant ’19 find her niche.

“It helped me to recognize that questions about race and the African Diaspora can be centered in the discipline of anthropology. Without the program, I don’t believe that I would have reached my current research topic which focuses on Afro-Latinx identities and culture in the United States,” Bryant says.

Through the minor, she’s also been able to tap into other interests-like history, philosophy and music-while staying focused on the African diaspora.

“Overall, the program has expanded my worldview and helped me to understand more about my own culture,” she says.

Bryant also was able to study in Cuba through our award-winning GO program. There, she examined Afro-Cuban experience with racism.

Bryant, who also minors in philosophy, plans to pursue a Ph.D. with the goal of becoming a university professor and community organizer.