Championing African & African American research.

<img src="https://hutchinsfamilyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/logo-hutchins-center-african-african-american-research-3-1-1.png" alt="" />Hutchins Center at Harvard University

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The Hutchins Center at Harvard University for African & African American Research supports research on the history and culture of people of African descent the world over and provides a forum for collaboration and the ongoing exchange of ideas. It seeks to stimulate scholarly engagement in African and African American studies both at Harvard and beyond and to increase public awareness and understanding of this vital field of study. As the preeminent research center in the field, the Hutchins Center sponsors visiting fellows, art exhibitions, publications, research projects, archives, readings, conferences, and new media initiatives that respond to and excite interest in established and emerging channels of inquiry in African and African American research.

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. discusses the impact made by the Hutchins Family Foundation on the field of African and African American Research

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The Center also bestows the W.E.B. DuBois Medal for distinguished contribution to African and African American history and culture in an annual ceremony known as the Hutchins Center Honors. Past honorees have included the civil rights hero Rep. John Lewis, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and cultural icons Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, and Shonda Rhimes. In 2024, the Center honored actor and director LeVar Burton, director and chief curator of The Studio Museum in Harlem Thelma Golden, and African entrepreneur and philanthropist, Strive Masiyiwa. More information on the Hutchins Center Honors can be found here.

Key initiatives supported by The Hutchins Center at Harvard include:

Project Body Image
Project Background
  • W. E. B. Du Bois Research Institute
    This institute supports scholars conducting research in African and African American Studies, fostering academic development and promoting scholarly excellence.
  • Hiphop Archive & Research Institute
    This institute focuses on preserving and promoting Hiphop culture through research, collections, and events, encouraging the pursuit of knowledge and responsible leadership through Hiphop.
  • Afro-Latin American Research Institute (ALARI)
    ALARI stimulates scholarship on the Afro-Latin American experience, providing a forum for scholars, intellectuals, activists, and policymakers to engage in knowledge-producing exchanges and debates.
  • Black Film Project
    This project supports filmmakers who focus on Black history and culture, offering prizes and resources to encourage the creation of narrative and documentary films that highlight the Black experience.
  • Image of the Black Archive & Library
    This archive collects and preserves materials related to the visual representation of Black people, promoting research and education on Black visual culture.
  • Institute on Policing, Incarceration & Public Safety
    This institute examines the intersection of race, policing, and public safety, aiming to develop policies and practices that promote justice and equity.
  • Project on Race & Gender in Science & Medicine
    This project explores the impact of race and gender on scientific research and medical practice, seeking to address disparities and promote inclusivity in these fields.
  • History Design Studio
    This studio combines historical research with design practices, creating innovative ways to present and engage with historical content.
  • Transition Magazine
    This publication provides a platform for scholarly articles and creative works that explore African and African American history, culture, and politics.

Each initiative focuses on different aspects of African and African American studies, fostering research, collaboration, and public engagement.

The Hutchins Center is directed by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., with the assistance of its Executive Director, Abby Wolf. Mr. Hutchins serves as its Chairman.

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