Jonathan Jasper Wright Institute for the Study of Southern African American History, Culture and Policy

Vision:

Claflin University is proud to house an institute for research and study as an ongoing program of intellectual inquiry, research and published scholarship devoted to both the historic and contemporary significance of Southern African American history, culture and policy. In doing so, this endeavor affords both the institute and Claflin University an immediate opportunity to contribute to distinguished research, scholarship and documentation on historical and contemporary issues affecting African Americans situated within the South.

The Jonathan Jasper Wright Institute for the Study of Southern African American History, Culture and Policy envisions participating in both academic and mainstream public discourse meriting the interest and attention of scholars and lay persons. The University, founded nearly 140 years ago, offers a rich historical environment and distinguished legacy having influenced all aspects of African American life. Housed at Claflin, the Institute is uniquely situated to support significant contributions where there are voids in research, scholarship, commentary and other shared subjects involving African Americans in the South.

Claflin University is the oldest HBCU (Historically Black College or University) in South Carolina and is the only HBCU in the state to house an institute with a dedicated mission to study African American life past and present. The University has strong links to a robust population of African Americans in South Carolina and many connections to African Americans and African American communities throughout the South.
In keeping with long-term vision of excellence for Claflin University, the Jonathan Jasper Wright Institute for the Study of Southern African American History, Culture and Policy at Claflin University will work to become a nationally/internationally-recognized scholarly and intellectual think tank in both historic and contemporary matters related to the study of Southern African American history, culture and policy.

Faculty Fellows will develop and pursue an ongoing and achievable program of individual and collaborative research resulting in scholarly publications and informed commentary in both academic and public discourses throughout the state of South Carolina, the Southern region and the United States of America. The Institute will offer the following:

• A pioneering role among similarly-situated liberal arts institutions in placing the rich vitality of the southern African American experience alongside of other equally viable research pursuits and interests.
• Increase Claflin University’s public stature within South Carolina and throughout the nation, thus assisting with student recruitment.
• Attract talented faculty members who are committed to both teaching and individual programs of research.
• Engage in areas of research and publication that are organically linked to African American issues of both historic and contemporary importance.
• Foster a richer and more intellectually vigorous academic setting.
• Promote, encourage and help facilitate undergraduate research in preparation for graduate study.
• Service both the community members and people groups situated within its area of activities by addressing policy concerns that concern them.