Here They Come, Y’all - Black Studies, Dr. Daniel Black, and Reflections from The Black School of Thought - Reflective Essay on Afrocentric Pedagogy

Oct 15, 2026

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This reflective essay examines Dr. Daniel Black’s pedagogical approach and its influence on the next generation of Black Studies scholars. Grounded in Afrocentric theory, it highlights Black’s role in educating and mentoring students through scholar activism and the intellectual tradition of Black Studies. The work contextualizes his May 2024 commencement address, “Here They Come, Y’all,” at Clark Atlanta University, emphasizing themes of self-determination and CAU’s legacy within Africana Studies.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLiterature

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Establishing a “Black” Tradition

The Formation of Black Studies

“Here They Come, Y’all:” Black Studies, Dr. Daniel Black, and Reflections from The Black School of Thought Kyle R. Fox College of Coastal Georgia La’Neice Littleton Atlanta History Center Joyce White Georgia Southern University Abstract During his tenure, Dr. Daniel Black has played a pivotal role in educating and mentoring countless students, fostering their academic and spiritual development. He has intentionally cultivated a tradition of scholar activism in Black Studies, thereby cementing his intellectual legacy. In May of 2024, Black delivered his widely acclaimed commencement address,“Here They Come,” at Clark Atlanta University. Dr. Black’s commencement address exemplifies his dedication to the legacy ofCAU and the advancement of Black Studies. Accordingly, this work presents a reflective essay grounded in Afrocentric theory, centering on Dr. Black’s pedagogical approach, and examining its profound impact on next generation of Black Studies scholars. Keywords: CAU, Black Studies, Afrocentric, Dr. Daniel Black, commencement, HBCU Introduction The illustrious Atlanta University, founded in 1865 after the Civil War, and Clark College, founded in 1869, combined in 1988 to form Clark Atlanta University (CAU) . Atlanta University, the oldest institution of higher education in the city of Atlanta, Georgia, is also the oldest graduate institution to support a predominately African American student body population in the United States. CAU has a legacy of dynamic educators who include individuals such as Dr. W. E. B. Du Bois, Dr. Rufus Clement, Dr. Pearlie Craft Dove, and Dr. Shelby Lewis. Among this legacy of erudite scholars is Dr. Daniel Omotosho Black. Dr. Black, a Clark College alum and one of the first scholars [to receive a Ph.D. in](to receive a Ph.D. in)[ ](to receive a Ph.D. in)Africana Studies, has committed thirty years to teaching at CAU. During his tenure, he has educated and mentored countless students both academically, culturally, and spiritually. He has reared many in the Black Studies tradition of scholar activism and created an intellectual legacy. In May of 2024, Daniel Black delivered the now viral commencement speech of the era,“Here They Come, Y’all,” at Clark Atlanta University. The speech invoked a spirit of selfdetermination and evoked CAU’s motto,“find a way or make one,” not only for the class of 2024 but for all audiences. Dr. Black’s commencement speech underscores his commitment to the legacy ofCAU and the future of Africana Studies. Thus, this work is a reflective essay grounded in Afrocentric theory that focuses specifically on the teachings of Daniel Black and explores the impact of his pedagogy on the creation of the next generation of Black Studies Scholars. Establishing a “Black” Tradition Black’s invitation to participate in the Black Studies tradition is evident not only in his speech, but also in his creation of a doctoral cohort coined “The Black School of Thought,”which includes Drs. Kyle R. Fox, La’Neice Littleton, Joyce White and Courtney Terry. Indicative of Black’s commitment to CAU’s motto of “finding a way,” The Black School of Thought is an interdisciplinary, humanistic cohort composed of English, History, and Identity Studies scholars who operate through a Black Studies theoretical lens and ground their work in Afrocentric thought and praxis. Scholars in the Black School of Thought adhere to the Black Studies tenets of African centeredness, intellectual confidence and high standards of excellence, and community engagement—all fundamental tenets of the Black Studies tradition, which Black himself inherited and has passed on through rigorous training and study of the African American experience. The Formation of Black Studies In the aftermath of the Civil War, formerly enslaved African Americans throughout the South sought out many opportunities including property ownership, citizenship, and access to education. Thus, numerous educational instit

FAQs

What is the main focus of the reflective essay?

The essay centers on Dr. Daniel Black’s teachings and pedagogy, grounded in Afrocentric theory, and examines their impact on the next generation of Black Studies scholars.

How does the essay connect Dr. Daniel Black to Black Studies traditions?

It shows that his participation in the Black Studies tradition is demonstrated through his speech and through his creation of a doctoral cohort called “The Black School of Thought.”

What historical context does the essay describe for the formation of Black Studies?

It traces developments after the Civil War, the role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the Jim Crow era, and the 1960s push for Black Studies programs during and alongside the Black Power Movement.

Oct 15, 2026

Upload by Riley