Billy Meneses, Class of 2026

  1. What motivated you to pursue a degree in African and African American Studies (AAAS)? 

    I was motivated to pursue AAAS because I have always been interested in studying Black history. Even in my non-AAAS courses, I made sure my assignments and projects focused on Black studies topics. As I took more classes in the program, I realized that it was the perfect opportunity for me to study the Black diaspora in depth. AAAS aligns with my personal interests and goals, as I have always aimed to support marginalized and Black communities; I hope to become a civil rights attorney to continue this work. The program also helped me connect more deeply with my identity by exploring the significance of Black communities in Latin America and in my own culture. I am grateful for my choice to study AAAS, as it enabled me to build meaningful relationships with professors whose work inspired my interest in the histories of enslavement, the civil rights movement, and Afro-Latinidad. DAAAS provided a strong sense of community, allowing me to pursue my passions with unwavering support from my peers and mentors.

  2. How has AAAS shaped your academic or intellectual growth? 

    DAAAS has significantly shaped my academic and intellectual growth by providing me with a comprehensive understanding of the Black diaspora and the tools to question racial hierarchies and systems of oppression. I particularly enjoyed the capstone/thesis course, where I had the opportunity to collaborate with my peer, Alana. We supported each other throughout the process, especially under the guidance of Dr. Dieter, making the experience much more enjoyable than it would have been alone. I also appreciated the various milestones, particularly the fall quarter milestone, which was instrumental in setting me up for success in completing my thesis throughout the year.

  3. What was your favorite DAAAS course and why? 

    My favorite DAAAS course was "Introduction to African American Studies: Religions, Cultures, and Experiences Prior to the Civil War," taught by Professor Alexis Wells-Oghoghomeh. I enjoyed it because it thoroughly examined the periods before, during, and after the transatlantic slave trade, introducing me to many prominent historians and theorists in the field of Black Studies. This course also strengthened my relationship with Dr. Wells-Oghoghomeh, who eventually became my thesis advisor. It was particularly influential for me because it exposed me to the diverse narratives within the Black diaspora and highlighted the importance of telling counternarratives that showcase the resistance and resilience of Black communities worldwide. I aspire to continue highlighting these efforts in my future endeavors.

  4. How would you describe the DAAAS community, and what relationships or connections DAAAS will stay with you after graduation? 

    The DAAAS community is a welcoming environment where everyone makes an effort to get to know one another. After beginning to attend DAAAS events in my junior year, I found it easy to engage with other students and faculty. I wish there were more opportunities for first-year students interested in majoring in DAAAS to connect, fostering deeper involvement in the department over the four years. I particularly enjoyed organized trips and events, such as the NOLA spring break trip and the DAAAS art in the city trip, as they provided additional opportunities to meet fellow students both within and outside the DAAAS community. I appreciated how people in this community consistently affirmed my sense of belonging, supported my research interests, and encouraged me to pursue Black Studies. I feel deeply connected to my professors, the staff, and my peers in the DAAAS community, and I know I will maintain these connections in the future.