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January 2026 News

Dr. Theresa Runstedtler

CRGC Chair's Message  

Welcome to the start of another semester! I hope that you were able to carve out time for rest and rejuvenation during the winter break, and that the new year brings you a renewed sense of purpose. 
The spring term offers an opportunity to build on what we've learned, to ask new questions, and to support one another as we navigate the adversities and possibilities of the months ahead. I encourage you to stay connected, take advantage of departmental events and resources, and reach out for help when you need support. 
I wish you a healthy, happy, and meaningful semester. 
In solidarity, Theresa Runstedtler

Upcoming Events

a group of people

My Body, My Amanah: Muslim Visions for Reproductive Justice

Join Arab World Studies and the Department of Peace, Human Rights, and Cultural Relations (SIS) on February 7 from 10:30 a.m to 3:30 p.m. for a symposium with HEART (Health, Education, Advocacy, Research, and Training). 
Register for more information. 
CRGC Sweater

CRGC Sweater Decorating 

Come to the Battelle-Tompkins Atrium on Thursday, February 12 from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for a study break and get a free CRGC sweater to decorate. Crafting materials will be provided, but you can also bring your own supplies to personalize your sweater.

*Please note that the sweaters provided are from 2023 and have the year on them. CRGC is trying to minimize waste and create something new!* 

Register to ensure we provide you with the correct sweater size. 
AFAM meet and greet

AFAM Meet & Greet 

Come to Battelle-Tompkins T-30 on February 17 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to meet faculty and students in the African American and African Diaspora Studies program. This is an opportunity to share your, research, social justice, and professional interests with other members of the AFAM and CRGC community. Stop by, grab a treat, and say hello! 

Save the Date! February 18, Getting into "Good Trouble"

Join the African American and African Diaspora Studies program for a panel with representatives from The Faith & Politics Institute's John Robert Lewis Programs. Amid this heightened time of political polarization, the panelists will examine what it means to advance Congressman John Lewis's legacy of nonviolent resistance and "Good Trouble" in our modern political age. More details on location and time to come! 

Lending Library

T-30 Student Study Sessions

Do you need a consistent space to study? Come to the Battelle T-30 Community Lounge every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.! 
If you would like to book T-30 for a small event of gathering, please email crgc@american.edu. 

CRGC Day! 

We are excited to announce that CRGC Day will take place on Wednesday, April 15. This semester marks the 10-year Anniversary of CRGC, so come and help us celebrate! 
Deadlines for participation: Please submit your proposals to Prof. Tyler Christensen (christen@american.edu)
March 4: Deadline for submitting full panels/sections.
March 24: Last day for students to sign-up to be part of a panel/poster exhibit.

Student & Alumni Spotlight 

Sydney North

Sydney North 

Political Science Major, African American & African Diaspora Studies and History Minor '24 
A special congrats to Sydney! She will be attending AU Washington College of Law in the Fall. 
"AFAM/CRGC is what pushed me to reach a deeper level of understanding about the social limitations present in American society. CRGC classes provided me with the opportunity to read personal accounts of those who have struggled and persisted regardless of their identity, consistently making efforts to make our society a more just place. Additionally, I learned about how the legal system in America has been and continues to be used to support discrimination, prompting my decision to go to law school. Upon becoming a lawyer, I would like to correct some of the injustices that I learned about during my time with CRGC". 

Faculty News 

AFAM/AMST

Dr. Mali Collins recently published Scrap Theory: Reproductive Injustice in the Black Feminist Imagination. In Baltimore, she has spoken about her book at Red Emmas and has an upcoming talk (February 5) at the Clifton House. Stay tuned for more details about her book events at AU and DC's Bol Co-op this Spring! 
Dr. David Vazquez

LTST

Dr. David Vázquez, Director of Latina/o/x Studies and author of Decolonial Environmentalisms: Climate Justice and Speculative Futures in Latinx Cultural Production, has been busy with his book tour! So far, he has given talks and workshops at the University of Maryland, College Park, the University of Oregon, St. Mary's College of Maryland, the University of Texas, Austin, and the University of California, Santa Barbara. In February, he will discuss his books at the University of Virginia! 
Dr. Mary Ellen Curtin

AMST

Dr. Mary Ellen Curtin's book, She Changed the Nation: Barbara Jordan's Life and Legacy in Black Politics, has been selected for the 2026 Liz Carpenter Award for the Best Book on the History of Women from the Texas State Historical Association!  

CRGC Programs: 

African American & African Diaspora Studies 
American Studies 
Asia, Pacific, & Diaspora Studies 
Arab World Studies 
Latina/o/x Studies 
Women's, Gender, & Sexuality Studies 
Follow CRGC on social media for the latest news and updates:
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Critical Race, Gender & Culture Studies Collaborative (CRGC) | American University, Washington, DC
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