History
Joseph Jenkins Roberts Center for the Study of the African Diaspora The Center is named in honor of a Virginian whose legacy as the first President of Liberia embodies globalism. The Center also reflects the new global society and the role of people of African descent in shaping global identity and race-relations.
Historically and culturally, globalization depends on the dynamism and involvement of people from every level of society. Understanding the context of these global connections is crucial and a part of the world we face today. In an era in which America is forging new connections and embarking on a new frontier of global exchange to reposition our economy, it is imperative that we refocus our cultural views to see the past and the future in a broader, more accurate milieu.
The Roberts Center has established positive contacts with the community, especially with the ongoing 1619: Making of America conference series. We have received over $750,000 in funding that has been used to sponsor our digital humanities projects, conferences, the Underground Railroad gaming project, the Underground Railroad Norfolk tour, the Africana Fest Culture Walk, and a host of speakers on topics related to the African Diaspora.