Dr. N. Joyce Payne Research Center executive director co-authored commentary on the essential functions of Black studies

March 24, 2025

The executive director of the Dr. N. Joyce Payne Research Center (Payne Center) recently co-authored a commentary about the essential functions of the academic discipline known as Black studies.

Dr. M.C. Brown II, executive director and research scientist at the Payne Center, co-authored the commentary with Dr. Edmund W. Gordon, Richard March Hoe Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Education at Teachers College. Titled “The Three Essential Functions of Black Studies: A Clear and Unwavering Argument,” the piece examines how Black studies are necessary for preserving the history and contributions of Black people, but also critical for shaping the future.

“It’s an honor to co-author this commentary with the legendary Dr. Gordon,” Brown said. “These insights are timely and crucial to pay tribute to the past while creating a more equitable future.”

The full commentary is available for review online

Related News

Sophomore standout: Arianna Stewart maximizes every opportunity with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund

Arianna Stewart, a sophomore marketing major at Howard University, already has her sights set on becoming a chief marketing officer at a Fortune 500 company. While many first- and second-year students are just beginning to explore their interests, Stewart has distinguished herself through an extraordinary level of involvement with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). […]

Breaking into tech, one connection at a time

Before stepping onto campus at North Carolina A&T State University, Jy’Mir Fuller wasn’t sure how he would navigate networking, internships or his future in technology. Now, the sophomore computer science major has secured a competitive internship and credits the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) with helping him turn uncertainty into opportunity. Fuller first learned about […]

Thurgood Marshall College Fund president will serve as Alabama A&M University spring commencement speaker

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) president & CEO was recently named the spring commencement speaker of the Alabama A&M University (Alabama A&M) ceremony for graduate students on Friday, May 8.  Dr. Harry L. Williams, president & CEO of TMCF, will provide remarks to the Alabama A&M graduate students receiving their diploma at the AAMU […]