In 2012, Tara McPherson released her article “Why Are Digital Humanities So White?” calling for those working in the field of digital humanities to think critically about the impacts of race in their work. In the decade that followed, scholars working within the field have continued to expand on her work, producing both further scholarship and programming to support more diverse scholars entering the field of digital humanities. A key development in this journey was the formation of Black Digital Humanities (BDH), a distinctive subfield of DH that foregrounds Black knowledge, experiences, and methodologies (Prince & Messina, 2022).
Central to BDH scholarship is the emphasis on an ethics of care (Odumosu, 2020; Steele, Lu, and Winstead, 2023), the celebration of joy and resistance (Gallon, 2016), and the pursuit of radical intentionality (Steele, Lu, and Winstead, 2023). Kim Gallon (2016) posits that BDH can unveil racialized power structures, serve as a bastion of resistance and liberation, and be a haven for celebrating the joy and richness of Black life. Her 2016 seminal work, “Making a Case for the Black Digital Humanities,” initiated the formal use of the term “Black Digital Humanities.” Gallon’s argument for a critical intersection of Black studies and digital mediums was further expanded by Safiya Noble (2019), who emphasized the role of BDH in critically examining technology's societal impacts, particularly its potential to perpetuate or create exploitative systems. This discourse is enriched by the incorporation of Black radical feminist theories, advocating for a transformative practice in digital humanities.
This research paper draws upon existing scholarship in digital humanities to provide a foundational understanding of the general processes and practices within the field. Key works by scholars such as Catherine Knight Steele, Jessica H. Lu, Kevin Winstead, and Matthew Kirschenbaum serve as a theoretical and methodological backdrop, offering insights into the broader landscape of digital humanities work. Within this context, our paper explores the tangible and symbolic aspects of conducting digital humanities work at an HBCU, emphasizing the need for radical care and intentionality (Steele, Lu, & Winstead, 2023) in this context.
Despite BDH's potential, its presence is predominantly in R1 Research Universities, leaving HBCUs and their diverse student bodies at a disadvantage (Paige, 2021). Roopika Risam (2021) highlights the scarcity of resources and funding in non-R1 institutions, which impedes the entry of underrepresented students into the DH field. The burgeoning interest in DH at HBCUs, exemplified by initiatives such as The Centre for Africana Digital Humanities at Clark Atlanta University, underscores the need for dedicated research into the unique challenges and opportunities of practicing DH in these settings (Chapman, 2023).
This paper therefore presents preliminary findings from research and participatory initiatives hosted by the Black Digital Humanities Lab at Jackson State University. It aims to explore and document the unique experiences, challenges, and opportunities encountered in establishing and operating a digital humanities lab within an HBCU context. The discussion will focus on innovative strategies for resource acquisition, building cross-cultural solidarity, and the pedagogical value of DH processes for HBCU students.
The kitchen table talk format is a deliberate choice, mirroring the communal and inclusive ethos of BDH. This conversational approach facilitates a candid and multifaceted exploration of experiences, challenges, and triumphs in establishing a BDH lab. It allows for a dynamic exchange of ideas, mirroring the collaborative spirit of DH work. This method also serves as a means to deconstruct traditional academic hierarchies, fostering a more accessible and inclusive dialogue where all voices are equally valued (Haddix et al., 2016). Conducted within a digital space, it addresses issues of accessibility and broadens participation, allowing for a diverse range of voices to contribute to the discourse.
The conversation will address questions such as:
This paper not only contributes to the understanding of DH in HBCUs but also broadens the scope of DH scholarship by integrating diverse academic voices and experiences. It serves as a preliminary but crucial step in a larger conversation about the future of DH in diverse educational settings. The BDH Lab's work at Jackson State University is significant as it navigates unique challenges such as financial and technical barriers, while fostering solidarity and amplifying student voices. This initiative demonstrates the importance of resourcefulness and collaboration in overcoming obstacles and highlights the transformative impact of DH work on students in HBCUs.