Pioneering Leadership in African Diaspora Studies
Sherita L. Johnson has made history as the first Black director of Penn State’s Africana Research Center (ARC). With over a decade of experience, Johnson brings a wealth of knowledge to this prestigious role.
Her appointment marks a significant milestone for the College of the Liberal Arts. Johnson aims to broaden ARC’s impact on scholarship related to African diaspora history, life, and culture.
Advancing Scholarship Through Key Events and Collaborations
Johnson will oversee two major ARC events: the Nelson Mandela Lecture Series and the Barbara Jordan Lecture Series. These programs showcase the center’s commitment to fostering intellectual discourse.
Additionally, she plans to work closely with post-doctoral researchers on various initiatives. “I’m now in the process of learning more about what ARC has stood for in the past to fulfill its mission going forward,” Johnson explained.
Expanding Visibility and Interdisciplinary Partnerships
One of Johnson’s primary goals is to increase ARC’s visibility within the academic community. She intends to highlight research initiatives and track the careers of past post-doctoral fellows.
“The challenge is finding those connections and making that network more visible,” Johnson stated. She also aims to forge partnerships across Penn State’s departments and institutes.
Community Engagement: Bridging Academia and Local History
Johnson’s experience in community outreach will play a crucial role in her new position. She discovered Bellefonte’s rich African American history, dating back to the Civil War.
At the University of Southern Mississippi, Johnson created impactful community programs. These included the Freedom50 Research Group and partnerships with Hattiesburg’s Sixth Street Museum District.
Preserving African American Literary Heritage
As a specialist in 19th-century African American literature, Johnson brings unique expertise to ARC. Her research focuses on overlooked writers like Frances Ellen Watkins Harper.
Johnson will lead a symposium celebrating Harper’s bicentennial in collaboration with Penn State’s Center for Black Digital Research. This project aligns with her role as a 2024-25 Just Transformations Commonwealth Faculty Fellow.
A New Chapter in a Distinguished Career
Johnson’s move to Penn State represents an exciting progression in her academic journey. “Learning as much as I have over the last six months, I really feel Penn State is the right place for me at this stage of my career,” she reflected.
Her leadership promises to enhance ARC’s reputation and expand its influence in African diaspora studies. Johnson’s commitment to both scholarship and community engagement will undoubtedly shape the center’s future.
