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

Thurgood Marshall College Fund promotes new general counsel and VP of government relations

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) promoted from within when selecting its new general counsel and vice president of government relations.  Sean D. Burns, Esq. ascended to the new role after serving as assistant vice president of government relations and legal affairs at TMCF since 2018. Burns started at TMCF as director of government relations […]

Thurgood Marshall College Fund celebrates the lasting impact of U.S. Rep. David Scott

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) joins the nation in mourning the loss of U.S. Rep.  David Scott, a visionary legislative leader, historic trailblazer and a lifelong champion for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Rep. Scott’s dedication to the HBCU mission was rooted in his own education at Florida A&M University (FAMU), an 1890 […]

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). […]