Two Morgan State Faculty Awarded ACLS HBCU Faculty Grants

Awards Support Research in the Humanities and Interpretive Social Sciences at Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Further solidifying Morgan State University’s status as a leading research institution, two esteemed faculty members have been named 2025 American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) HBCU Faculty Grantees. The recognition underpins Morgan’s commitment to advancing humanities and interpretive social sciences scholarship while reinforcing its position as a hub for groundbreaking research.

Selected from a competitive pool of scholars representing Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide, Morgan faculty members Dr. Jeremiah Dibua and Dr. Steven L. Dashiell are among 12 distinguished grantees awarded $10,000 each to support early-stage project development and small-scale research initiatives. These grants provide crucial support for scholars whose work fosters deeper historical, cultural, and social understanding, particularly within marginalized communities.

Expanding Scholarship in African and African American Studies

Dr. Jeremiah Dibua, professor of History and Geography, was recognized for his research project, TransAfrica, African Americans, and the Struggle Against Apartheid and Authoritarianism in Africa. His work critically examines the mobilization of Black Americans in shaping U.S. policies against racist regimes in Southern Africa while highlighting the complexities of Pan-Africanism and identity politics in addressing authoritarian leadership in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Exploring the Social Dimensions of Black Leisure

Dr. Steven L. Dashiell, research assistant professor at Morgan’s Center for Urban Health Equity, was awarded for his project, “What You Playing At?” The Question of African-American Men and Leisure. His research explores the societal perceptions and critiques surrounding the leisure activities of African American men, shedding light on how these activities serve as spaces for networking, bonding, and social support.

“ACLS is proud to support this vibrant group of scholars and celebrate their important contributions to the humanities and interpretive social sciences,” said Nike Nivar Ortiz, ACLS Program Officer in U.S. Programs. “ACLS HBCU Faculty Fellows and Grantees exemplify the wealth of scholarship found across HBCU campuses, which is keenly attentive to underrepresented histories and voices, as well as timely social issues that intersect with their campus communities.”

The ACLS HBCU Faculty Fellowship and Grant Program, developed in collaboration with HBCU faculty and academic leaders, is designed to provide flexible support while fostering a broader research community. In addition to individual awards, each grantee’s institution receives an additional $2,500 to enhance humanities programming and infrastructure.

Morgan State University applauds Dr. Dibua and Dr. Dashiell on their outstanding achievements and contributions to their respective fields. Their research underscores Morgan’s enduring mission to elevate academic excellence and enrich the discourse on African American and African diaspora studies.