New Africana Studies Faculty Bring Transformative Perspectives to USD
USD Africana Studies welcomes three new faculty: Assistant Professor of History Olutoyosi "Toyo" Aboderin, PhD; Assistant Professor of Theology and Religious Studies Kyle Brooks, PhD; and Assistant Professor of Theology and Religious Studies Matthew Vega, PhD. Each brings unique expertise that encourages critical engagement with the historical and contemporary realities of Black life. Together, they offer transformative perspectives that challenge students to rethink race, religion and culture.
Dr. Aboderin specializes in the portrayal of Black womanhood in media. Holding a PhD in Africology and African American Studies from Temple University, Dr. Aboderin’s research critically examines how media shapes public perceptions of Black women and family structures. She is currently developing a manuscript on the cultural impact of Black relationships in television. "Correcting and preserving Black history is not just essential for Black communities but is indispensable to the broader understanding of humanity," Dr. Aboderin emphasizes. Director of Africana Studies Cory Gooding, PhD, highlighted the campus enthusiasm around Dr. Aboderin's engagement with Black representations in media. "From her theater screenings and discussions of Wicked to her dedication to student mentorship, Dr. Aboderin generates passion for the study of Black life and history," he shared.
Dr. Brooks explores the intersection of religion, politics and Black expressive cultures. With a PhD in Religion from Vanderbilt University, Dr. Brooks critiques traditional views of Black religious leadership. His forthcoming book, Chasing Ghosts: The Politics of Black Religious Leadership, challenges the narrative that Black male charisma and rhetorical performance are the primary forces behind political and social change. Dr Gooding praised Dr. Brooks's ability to illuminate the experiences of Black people and the dynamic nature of Black cultures. "Dr. Brooks provokes new considerations of how Black communities drive social change, evident in his classroom, research, and recent appearance on CBS News discussing the origins and importance of Black History Month," Dr. Gooding said.
Dr. Vega brings a critical approach to the study of Black religion and liberation theology. With a PhD in Theology from the University of Chicago, Dr. Vega examines the intersections of race, class and religion, especially within Black and Latin American liberation theologies. His research challenges the U.S.-centric view of Black religious thought, broadening the conversation to include global justice movements and their influence on Black theology. "When we learn about the history, culture and resilience of the African diaspora, we learn about the history of our country and the world," says Dr. Vega. As a political scientist, Dr. Gooding is particularly energized by Dr. Vega's research. "Dr. Vega's work brings religion into deep conversation with political science as he explores the impact of racial capitalism on contemporary calls for Black liberation, not just in the United States but across the African Diaspora," Dr. Gooding explained.
The interdisciplinary approaches and critical engagement of Drs. Aboderin, Brooks and Vega deepen our understanding of Black life and inspire students to rethink dominant narratives. Their innovative scholarship and dynamic teaching foster meaningful dialogues about the complexities of Black experiences and relationships.