Covering African, Africana, and African American subjects, Afro-American Studies comprise research and education in black history and culture. It evolved from the Negro history movement (early 1900s), notably historian Carter G. Woodson's work. Its chief promoters include the Woodson-created Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (1915), African Heritage Studies Association (1969), and National Council for Black Studies (1975). The council seeks “to establish standards of excellence and provide development guidance” (www.ncbsonline.org/about_ncbs) for colleges and universities’ programs. San Francisco State College launched the first nonblack college program in 1968.

Subjects and instruction span the humanities and behavioral and social sciences. Slavery examines slave systems beside slaves’ experiences and freedom struggles in Africa and the African diaspora. Cultural studies examine Africanisms (African cultural survivals), including Ebonics (black English), Afro-Christianity, and music. Also examined are antiblack racism, plus blacks’ economic, political, religious, and social institutions, organizations, and movements. Many researchers and teachers advocate Afrocentrism or study and teaching from and African-centered perspective. Programs rather than departments are the norm at the 400 colleges and universities now offering majors and minors in the field. One hundred and forty of them award the bachelor's degree, twenty-four the master's degree, and five the doctoral degree.