W.E.B Du Bois Society History

Since its formation in 1983, the W. E. B. Du Bois Graduate Society of GSAS has worked to create inclusive educational environment for historically underrepresented minorities in GSAS. Named after the eminent African American scholar and civil rights leader W. E. B. Du Bois, the first African American to receive a doctoral degree from Harvard University (in 1895), the Society serves as a forum for GSAS students to meet and raise concerns about race and ethnicity and provides a social, intellectual, and political institution for minority student activities. It acts as an umbrella organization to foster community among graduate students of color across disciplines. Over the years, the goals of the society have been expanded to include fostering interactions with Harvard's minority faculty and administrators, bringing together students from the various departments in GSAS and other graduate schools in the Harvard community, and encouraging more minority undergraduates to consider a career in academia. The mission of the W.E.B. Du Bois Graduate Society of GSAS will continue to evolve to serve the ever-changing needs of Harvard's minority graduate students within GSAS.

What is the Purpose of the Du Bois Society of GSAS?

The W.E.B. Du Bois Graduate Society is an organization of GSAS students and others devoted to addressing minority issues. The aims of the society are twofold: to be a forum where students can meet to discuss concerns of race and ethnicity, and to provide a social, intellectual, and political institution for minority student activities. In addition, the society wishes to serve as a liaison to welcome new and visiting minority scholars to the Harvard community.

How do I become a member of the Du Bois Society?

All GSAS minority students are encouraged to become members. To join, simply add your name and address to the mailing list during one of our functions or e-mail Stephanie Parsons at sparsons@fas.harvard.edu.Membership drives take place during fall orientation and registration.

Steering Committee

The W.E.B. Du Bois Graduate Society of GSAS Steering Committee is comprised of individuals who are committed to overseeing the planning of events for the academic year in accordance with the organization's goals. Though the time commitment is not an arduous one, individuals should be able to attend monthly Steering Committee meetings with the Dean for Academic Programs & Diversity, Assistant Director of Diversity & Minority Affairs, and Student Programming Officer, and be willing to provide assistance to members of the Society who are organizing events. To join the Steering Committee, please contact the current president, Kiera Hudson (sa.kiera.hudson@gmail.com).