News from CLASS

Tara T. Green joins CLASS as founding chair of African American Studies Department

Effective Aug. 1, Tara T. Green begins her tenure as the founding chair and CLASS distinguished professor of the department of African American studies at the University of Houston. This historic appointment is the latest in a series of major developments for the program, which launched a large scholarship endowment and earned departmental status soon after marking its 50th anniversary.

Feminist Scholar Rachel Afi Quinn Awarded Esteemed Schomburg Fellowship

College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Associate Professor Rachel Afi Quinn, Ph.D., has received the esteemed Schomburg Center Scholars-in-Residence Fellowship. Passionate about Black art and film, Quinn was selected as one of seven long-term fellows to spend the upcoming academic year researching at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem.

CLASS Professor Recognized with Mexico’s Top Literary Award

Distinguished Professor in Hispanic Studies Cristina Rivera Garza was recognized on June 6 with the 2021 Xavier Villaurrutia Award for her forthcoming novel, “El invencible verano de Liliana.” Presented by the Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico and the National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature (INBAL), the prestigious Xavier Villaurrutia Award is the highest literary award given to a book published in Mexico.

Students uncover decades of history in CPH’s 100 Years of Stories Project

This summer, the Center for Public History will mark two years of documenting the intertwined histories of the city of Houston and the University of Houston through 100 Years of Stories. Through a collaboration of personal stories and archival research, this storytelling initiative is capturing major milestones ahead of the University’s centennial celebration in 2027.

Underrepresented Women of Color Coalition Supporting Professors' Professional, Personal Journeys

UH’s Underrepresented Women of Color Coalition welcomes all underrepresented minority tenured and tenure track women faculty members. Its mission is to inspire and elevate its professoriate.

International Wheelchair Tennis Camp Making a Racket at UH

The University of Houston is welcoming young tennis players from around the globe for the U.S. Tennis Association/International Tennis Federation Junior Wheelchair Tennis Camp. Players are developing their skills on the court, bonding with fellow campers and exploring campus.