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Associate Professor of English and Director of African-American Studies Dr. Patricia D. Hopkins has received a 2016 Sankofa Award from CNU’s Student Diversity and Equality Council.
The word “sankofa” in the Akan language of Ghana means to “reach back and get it.” It is represented by a bird with its head turned backward taking an egg off its back. The Sankofa Award recognizes organization advisers who have taken on a mentorship role in the lives of students, helping them see their potential to become the best version of themselves.
Hopkins earned a PhD in English from the University of Pennsylvania and joined Christopher Newport in 2006. In addition to deconstructing images of African-Americans and black life in the media, Dr. Hopkins’ research interests include African-American literature and gender studies, specifically looking at the violence inflicted upon the black female body in the cases of sexual exploitation, rape and lynching.
In order to promote and retain diversity at Christopher Newport while also working to eliminate stereotypes, prejudices and misconceptions about people of color, Hopkins gives her time and talent as academic adviser and mentor to both the Black Student Union and the African Student Union.