非裔美国人研究系（以前称为黑人美国人研究系）于1968年在SIU成立，以回应学生，社区和教职员工的要求，该大学的课程设置与渴望获得知识的学生群体更加相关它们使世界充满了战争抗议，民权示威以及为美国妇女和其他少数族裔群体争取正义的斗争而爆发的感觉。迫切需要一种课程，以解决长期被压制的黑人历史，以全世界非洲裔人的文学，政治，社会和教育成就为荣，这将使教室多样化，从教科书到教师。那时和现在，学生开发了分析工具，通过这些工具，他们可以从非洲和美洲的过去中检索重要信息，以比教室中通常所见的更广阔的视角来解释历史和文
Delve into the vast and rich cultures of the African peoples. Explore the history, complexities, and contributions of people of African descent, including African-American, Caribbean, and African diaspora. The interdisciplinary design of our program combines aspects of social sciences and humanities, which provide a comprehensive education of African cultures.<br><br>Examining the struggles and challenges faced by the African people illuminates the valuable skills and ideologies that helped them succeed. It is through this knowledge and understanding that we gain an appreciation for diversity and learn more about ourselves in the process. Graduates of this program learn to convey these lessons and insight to others, making them assets in any field.<br>This flexible degree program can be customized, and it is often earned as a double major because it complements any field of interest. Classes are small, professors are active scholars, and they offer hands-on support and guidance to students. Najjar Abdul-Musawwir, an internationally acknowledged artist in the US and throughout Africa, Asia, and Europe, teaches several Africana Studies.