#United States #New York #humanities research #HBCU Fellowships #ACLS Awards

Recognition of Excellence in Humanities Research

The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) proudly announced the recipients of its HBCU Faculty Fellowship and Grant Program for 2026, showcasing significant research endeavors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This year's initiative, consisting of twenty awards distributed among eighteen HBCUs, emphasizes the value and depth of scholarship within these institutions.

A Closer Look at the Awards

This year, eight scholars were each awarded fellowships of up to $50,000 to support their long-term research projects, while twelve grantees received funding of up to $10,000 for smaller scale projects and developmental endeavors. These awards aim to enhance research in the humanities and interpretive social sciences.

Diverse Research Topics

The projects covered an impressive array of topics, reflecting both local and national issues. Some of the notable projects include:

• - A detailed history of the African American Union soldiers who established Lincoln University in Missouri. This project seeks to uncover the narrative surrounding this significant institution and its founders.
• - An analysis of the political engagement of women in the Democratic Republic of Congo from 1930 to 1965, examining the intersection of gender and political participation amidst historical turmoil.
• - A study exploring the ethical, economic, and legal cases for Black reparations, addressing a pressing national discourse surrounding historical injustices.
• - A research project focused on providing marginalized perspectives in the realm of African diasporic opera, which highlights the cultural significance of opera in African American narratives.

These projects illustrate the research breadth across various disciplines within the humanities and social sciences, including African American studies, linguistics, philosophy, religious studies, as well as theater and performance studies.

Supporting HBCUs and Their Faculty

Nike Nivar Ortiz, ACLS Program Officer for US Programs, expressed pride in announcing the awardees, stating that the diverse institutions and research methods represented highlight the extensive scholarship within the HBCU system.

The program's design incorporates the unique teaching and service commitments of HBCU faculty, ensuring that support aligns with their needs. The awards also provide networking and professional development opportunities, bolstering the academic community within these institutions. Additionally, each awardee's home university receives a grant of $2,500, aimed at enhancing humanities programming or infrastructure.

A Legacy of Knowledge

Founded in 1919, the American Council of Learned Societies is a nonprofit organization representing a collective of 81 scholarly entities. It aims to advance public knowledge, ensuring it remains a public good. The ACLS's commitment to diversity of identity and experience among its member organizations is a core principle that underscores its efforts to foster scholarly research and development.

The 2026 ACLS HBCU Faculty Fellowship and Grant Program exemplifies ACLS’s unwavering dedication to supporting exceptional research initiatives at HBCUs, reinforcing their pivotal role in shaping American higher education. As we move forward, the contributions made through these fellowships will undoubtedly enhance our understanding across various scholarly fields.

For more information about the awardees and their projects, visit the ACLS website or research platform. The continuity of this program signifies a promising future for educational support and scholarly contributions from HBCUs.