About the Griot Institute

Our History

GRIOT: A central figure in many West African cultures. Historically, the griot held many functions, including community historian, cultural critic, indigenous artist and collective spokesperson. The Griot Institute for the Study of Black Lives & Cultures provides faculty, staff and student intellectual and creative engagement with the interdisciplinary investigation of the cultures, histories, narratives, peoples, geographies and arts of Africa and the African diaspora.

Learn more about our history

Our Staff

Carol White is the interim director of the Griot Institute for 2022-23. The Griot Institute Advisory Committee consists of faculty, staff and emeriti who help to guide the Griot's narrative.

Meet our staff

Carmen Gillespie

Carmen Gillespie

Many of us in the Bucknell community were deeply affected by the loss of Carmen Gillespie, professor of English and founder and director of the Griot Institute for the Study of Black Lives & Cultures. The outpouring of emotion on campus and beyond is a direct reflection of Carmen's impact on her colleagues and students.

Learn more about Carmen

Contact Details

Griot Institute for the Study of Black Lives & Cultures

Location

Hildreth-Mirza Hall, Second Floor