Graduate Certificate Alum Carlyncia McDowell graduated in May 2023 from The University of Georgia with her Master's of Public Health (Health Policy and Management Concentration). Additionally, her graduate certificates included African American Studies, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Disaster Management. We invite you to read more below about Carlyncia and her experience within the Institute for African American Studies! What are your research interests and your plans following graduation? Currently, I am a doctoral student at UGA in the Education and Administration Policy program where my research interests include: Racial inequities within health and educational policies Narratives of Black Women pertaining to their lived experiences Mental health Health and education disparities of marginalized communities Education gag orders (book banning, illegitimization of African American history, and banning of CRT) What was your favorite AFAM course and why? Narratives of Black Women with Dr. Ray was my favorite course because it was the first time, I have been in a classroom at UGA with primarily Black women graduate students. I thought my undergraduate studies at Spelman College was the only time I'd be in a classroom full of Black women, but I was extremely delighted to take the class (and would honestly take it again). Although the class was virtual, I felt like I was a part of a family as we got to not only learn the material, but also learn about each other's lived experiences. The conversations we had and materials we read was absolutely amazing, and it was intriguing to see how relevant historical texts can be to the lives of Black women today. I felt seen and heard within this class and I was always excited to attend every week! Why should students consider a graduate certificate in AFAM? It is extremely important for students to get a graduate certificate in AFAM no matter what their discipline is. I believe that the material would speak to anybody who wants to learn more about the experiences of Black/African American people and in many ways will feel connected to the material and classroom discussions. I am confident that the courses will open graduate students' minds to how many current day situations have been systematically set up and how resilient we have constantly been and continue to be. It also encourages all, whether they identify as Black or not, to not be silent and speak against injustices whether it is through academia or practical work. Everybody can do something to make a difference and the AFAM graduate certificate definitely provided the blueprint for students to be changemakers in our society.
