Andrea Abrams
Dr. Andrea Abrams is an American anthropologist, Associate Professor, President of the Association of Black Anthropologists and Author of God and Blackness: Race, Gender and Identity in a Middle Class Afrocentric Church.[1] Andrea is currently an associate professor of Anthropology, Gender Studies and African American Studies at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky,[2] as well as the Chair of the Gender Studies Program.[3] In 2018, she was named associate vice president for diversity affairs & special assistant to the president, and in 2021 was named vice president for diversity, inclusion, and equity.[4]
Biography
[edit]Abrams completed undergraduate studies at Agnes Scott College, earning a B.A. in sociology and anthropology. Continuing on to receive her M.A. in anthropology, a graduate certificate in women's studies, and a Ph.D. in anthropology from Emory University.[3] Andrea Abrams is the President of the Association of Black Anthropologists (2017–Present). Abrams previously taught at the University of Southern Mississippi, Emory University, Agnes Scott College, and Spelman College.[3]
Research and publications
[edit]Abrams' research focuses on racial an gender issues in the south,[5] specifically studying the discussion and performance of racial identities.[6] Abrams' dissertation work focused on fieldwork in Atlanta,GA, at First Afrikan Presbyterian Church, observing ways that this church defined blackness, expressed their religion and how this intersected with gender and race.[6] Andrea's book God and Blackness: Race, Gender and Identity in a Middle Class Afrocentric Church[1] is a product of her research in Georgia, addressing how African American religious institutions build community and create a shared understanding of blackness.[6] Abrams reports directly on the churches members views on issues of blackness, the middle-class, feminism and identity, and how to navigate the tension of these topics as middle Class African Americans.[1]
In 2014 Abrams shared her experiences, with Colleague Sarah Murray, of their trip and study in Ghana. Abrams and Murray, through a study abroad program in 2013,[3] have taken students from Centre College to Ghana to study the history, culture and environmental issues of the African country.[5]
Personal
[edit]Dr. Andrea Abrams is one of six children born to Reverend Carolyn and Reverend Robert Abrams, originally of Mississippi. Her siblings include U.S. district judge Leslie Abrams Gardner, Richard Abrams, Walter Abrams, Dr. Jeanine Abrams McLean, a former CDC researcher and voting rights advocate, and Stacey Abrams, a lawyer, politician, and voting rights advocate.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "God and Blackness | Race, Gender, and Identity in a Middle Class Afrocentric Church | Books - NYU Press | NYU Press". nyupress.org. Retrieved 2018-05-30.
- ^ Abrams, Andrea (2017). "Letter from the Incoming President". Anthropology News. 58 (1): e223–e225. doi:10.1111/an.310. ISSN 1541-6151.
- ^ a b c d "Anthropology and Sociology Faculty". Centre College. 2013-11-19. Archived from the original on 2015-10-14. Retrieved 2018-05-30.
- ^ "Abrams announces upcoming departure as Centre begins search for new chief diversity officer". Centre College. 9 October 2023. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
- ^ a b Shannon, Tim. "Friends of the Library Program: "Experiences in Ghana" - The Boyle County Public Library". boylepublib.org. Retrieved 2018-05-30.
- ^ a b c "Dr. Andrea Abrams' "God and Blackness" explores unique American identities". Centre College. 2014-02-21. Archived from the original on 2018-06-12. Retrieved 2018-05-30.