Michigan State University’s Spring 2024 commencement will see the very first students to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in African American and African Studies. As the first graduates of this program, Morgan Braswell, Jhala Martin, and Mike Martin mark a significant milestone in the history of the Department of African American and African Studies (AAAS), the history of the College of Arts & Letters, and the history of MSU.

MSU’s  College of Arts & Letters launched the Bachelor of Arts degree in African American and African Studies, which is offered through the Department of African American and African Studies, during the Spring 2022 semester. The program advances transdisciplinary thought, engagement, activism, and advocacy accountable to Black communities throughout the Diaspora while focusing on Black Feminisms, Black Gender Studies, and Black Sexualities Studies.

As the first graduates of the program reflect on their undergraduate experiences in AAAS, their stories highlight the significance of the department’s inaugural cohort. Their achievements, challenges, and personal growth reflect the crowning values of the department, including a commitment to fostering inclusive spaces, empowering students, and challenging societal norms.

“The first AAAS majors to ever graduate from Michigan State University: Morgan Braswell, Jayla Martin, and Mike Martin are imaginative creators of community, expansive interdisciplinary thinkers, and amazingly brilliant in their socially responsible and community accountable practices as artist-scholars,” said Ruth Nicole Brown, Professor and Inaugural Chairperson of the Department of African American and African Studies. “Their historic graduation affirms the significance of the ongoing new build of the Department of African American and African Studies and gives everyone who played a part in their success a reason to celebrate, to know joy, and to live more fully into their aspirations. Jhala, Mike, and Morgan we are so proud of you!”

“Their historic graduation affirms the significance of the ongoing new build of the Department of African American and African Studies and gives everyone who played a part in their success a reason to celebrate, to know joy, and to live more fully into their aspirations.”

Dr. Ruth Nicole Brown

Before embarking on new chapters in their academic and professional lives, Braswell, Jhala Martin, and Mike Martin shared their experiences with the AAAS Department and offered advice to incoming students, emphasizing the importance of community, self-discovery, and embracing one’s unique strengths. Their legacy as the first graduates of MSU’s AAAS program sets a strong precedent for future cohorts, who will continue the journey of exploration, empowerment, and advocacy. They will receive their diplomas at the College of Arts & Letters commencement ceremony on Sunday, April 28.

Morgan Braswell

Growing up with a passion for Black history and culture, Morgan Braswell found a sense of belonging and purpose within the AAAS Department. Initially majoring in Psychology, Braswell soon switched to AAAS, as the program was the perfect intersection of her interests in Black history and mental health within Black communities.

Within the AAAS program, Braswell found a nurturing community that provided her with the space to be her authentic self.

“Some of the best moments of my undergrad range from participating in the Ascension of our department with my fellow majors to just resting on my favorite bean bag while I listen to Beyonce play from my advisor’s office,” Braswell said. “It truly has become a second home to me. It also allowed me to expand my thinking in ways I don’t think I would have in another department. I got to learn about myself, and the people I care about in a deep and meaningful way.”

One particular course, Black Institutions and Statecraft taught by Gianina K.L. Strother, Assistant Professor in the AAAS Department, left a lasting impact on Braswell. A field trip to the Charles H. Wright Museum, coupled with a meeting with MSU graduate Elana Rugh, who is the CEO of the Detroit Historical Society and Museum, ignited Braswell’s interest in museum work. This experience led her to follow-up with Rugh and secured her a summer position at the Detroit Historical Museum after graduation.

“AAAS showed me that community building is my true passion and gave me the language and skills I needed to pursue a career that follows that path.”

Morgan Braswell

Through AAAS, Braswell gained insights into community building, which she now considers her true passion. As she prepares for her future career, Braswell credits AAAS for honing her critical thinking skills and challenging societal norms. She aspires to create safe spaces akin to AAAS, where individuals can engage with each other critically, and question established paradigms.

“AAAS showed me that community building is my true passion and gave me the language and skills I needed to pursue a career that follows that path,” Braswell said.

In offering advice to incoming students, Braswell emphasizes the importance of engaging with advisors and professors. She underscores the invaluable wisdom and support offered by faculty members, which enriched her undergraduate experience.

Jhala Martin

Jhala Martin’s exploration of AAAS led to personal growth, community engagement, and a profound sense of belonging.

Her educational journey into the AAAS program began with a genuine interest in the material being taught. Enthralled by her first AAAS class, Martin sought opportunities to delve deeper into the discipline, eventually electing to major in AAAS.

“My journey has been really great. I went from taking one AAAS class to becoming a major and it was the best decision,” Martin said. “I met faculty that care for me and my well-being.”

Martin cites the creation of Thrifty Threads 4 Vintage Vibes as a highlight of her time in AAAS. This clothing outlet, aimed at fostering community and sustainability, created a space for students to donate clothes, shoes, and other items while others could grab things they needed for free. It is still running today.

“When I reflect back on my experience, I feel full,” Martin said. “I have encountered, learned, and gained so much from being in the department. It’s kind of overwhelming to think about.”

One course that left a lasting impression on Martin was Creative Culture, Expression, and Performance taught by Assistant Professors Chamara Kwakye and Gianina K.L. Strother. The closeness among peers and captivating material made this experience particularly memorable for Martin.

“When I reflect back on my experience, I feel full. I have encountered, learned, and gained so much from being in the department.”

Jhala Martin

Martin attributes her growth in AAAS to the guidance of faculty and the insights gained from coursework. Emphasizing the importance of self-care and wellness, she highlighted the transformative power of vulnerability within the AAAS community.

“Moments of growth I’ve experienced have come from being vulnerable and open with my peers and the AAAS community,” Martin said. “At first, it was hard, but once I broke through that fear, I shined even brighter than before.”

Through her studies, Martin found a platform for self-expression and empowerment. Her newfound ability to articulate herself has been instrumental in shaping her identity and sense of belonging within academia and society at large.

“My studies have prepared me with immense knowledge and how to interact with people I will encounter in the world,” she said. “I feel that the courses I have taken have prepared me with integrity, perseverance, and curiosity.”

After college, Martin plans to pursue opportunities that will magnify her dance career and apply to organizations that specifically focus on uplifting Black girls and Black women.

Mike Martin

Mike Martin’s interest in AAAS was ignited during a Black Feminist class taught by Ruth Nicole Brown, Professor and Chairperson of the Department of African American and African Studies. Dr. Brown’s passion for Black girls and community laid the foundation for Martin’s journey within the department. Reflecting on her time in AAAS, Martin recalls the importance of community and building a sense of community with her cohort as a significant highlight.

“To have a strong group of Black women in my corner cheering along every success and being a shoulder to cry on when there are failures is beautiful,” Martin said.

One memorable project for Martin was their senior thesis, titled We’re Losing the Recipes. Inspired by the enduring wisdom imparted by Black women throughout their life, Martin reveals the kitchen as a sacred space — a sanctuary of fellowship and resilience where laughter and nourishment defy societal constraints.

Martin received the Dr. M. Shawn Copeland Experiential Learning Fund Award, which was created by a generous gift of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, to support an exhibition of this work. The We’re Losing the Recipes exhibition took place in March 2024 at the MSU Union Art Gallery.

“The Adrian Dominican Sisters funding was transformative to the project because it allowed for me to dream more expansively and outside of myself,” Martin said. “The funding was the first monetary contribution to the project, and it made me understand that other people saw the need for this work; they saw the love in it.”

“My studies have absolutely impacted my life. Because of white supremacy and other systematic structures, we are told that we have to look at the world through a white centric view, however, this department has shown us that it is ok and encouraged us to look at the world where we are centered.”

Mike Martin

Through the AAAS program, Martin gained insights into the importance of wellness, recognizing the weight of self-care and mental health within academic and personal pursuits. Martin acknowledges the profound impact of AAAS on their personal identity and integral role it holds in their academic journey.

“My studies have absolutely impacted my life,” Martin said. “Because of white supremacy and other systematic structures, we are told that we have to look at the world through a white centric view, however, this department has shown us that it is ok and encouraged us to look at the world where we are centered.”

Prepared with a newfound sense of empowerment, Martin looks forward to pursuing a Master of Fine Arts at the University of Michigan.

“This department has shown me to embrace my strengths and understand that everyone has different ways of communicating, and mine is through a creative lens,” Martin said. “I am so excited to continue this journey at Michigan, knowing that the AAAS Department will be in my corner.”

In offering advice to incoming students, Martin emphasizes the importance of listening, learning, and remaining open to the journey. This mindset, coupled with a commitment to community and self-discovery, can lead to profound personal and academic growth.