ECU program impacts eastern NC
Ajamu A. Dillahunt-Holloway is leaving a lasting impression at East Carolina University and in the region, resulting from his work as a fellow through the Interinstitutional Scholar for Diversity and Inclusion (ISDI) program housed in ECU’s Office for Equity and Diversity.
The ISDI program supports direct engagement with graduate students in terminal degree studies, postdoctoral scholars and faculty members.
Ajamu A. Dillahunt-Holloway, a visiting Interinstitutional Scholar for Diversity and Inclusion, is leaving a lasting impact on the region after his time at East Carolina University. (Contributed photo)
LaKesha Alston Forbes, chief diversity officer and associate provost for equity and diversity, Jarvis Hargrove, associate professor of history and director of the program in African and African American Studies, and the Department of History were instrumental in bringing Dillahunt to ECU from Michigan State University.
Dillahunt spent his time at ECU working with faculty and teaching students in the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences program in African and African American Studies (AAAS) and the Department of History. This fall, he begins a tenure-track position at N.C. State University.
“He did an absolutely fantastic job, and his research will have a lasting impact in our region,” said Hargrove. “I am more than certain that we can continue to build on the connections established between the history department and AAAS here at ECU, and the history department at Michigan State and now N.C. State.”
Dillahunt said he very much enjoyed his experience and the encouragement the university provided.
“I was honored to be an ISDI fellow, and I hope the program is supported for a long period,” Dillahunt said. “I received great mentorship. I also got to grow and gain confidence as a teacher.”
During his fellowship, Dillahunt taught two undergraduate sections of AAAS1000, which included assignments and projects that delved into the history of issues and problems African and African Americans face today, including disparities in health care and environmental racism.
“I witnessed my students develop a deeper understanding of the world and its problems and a strong commitment to critical thinking and social responsibility,” Dillahunt said. “They demonstrated a high level of creativity and passion for making the world a better place, and ECU gave me the confidence that its graduates will work in service to the people of eastern North Carolina.”
While at ECU, Dillahunt also conducted research for his dissertation on the North Carolina-based Black Workers for Justice.
“Dillahunt’s research on black workers is critical to understanding eastern North Carolina’s history from its early roots as a colonial slave-holding state to its modern era,” said Jennifer McKinnon, professor of history and maritime studies, who served as Dillahunt’s mentor. “He is giving voice to organizations that have long fought for racial justice and equality in the workplace, and his efforts to digitize the papers and history of these organizations are incredibly important to the region, as some of the earliest social justice movements came out of North Carolina.
“I have grown to absolutely admire him, his energy and his research. I couldn’t be more excited for him. He is a changemaker, and I can’t wait to see where he goes and what he does,” McKinnon said.
“My goal as a public historian is to use history to empower,” Dillahunt said. “I believe that history should be used to help make the world a more just and fair place. I plan to continue to write, research, teach and empower.”
Read a news release announcing Dillahunt’s new role at N.C. State.