The Center for the Study of the American South and the Power of Undergraduate Research
June 6, 2023
Britney Hong ’24, an American studies and human development and family science double major, received support from the Ferris Undergraduate Research Fund.
The Center for the Study of the American South honors the South’s long histories of exchange, creativity, conflict and transformation by exploring the history and cultures of its diverse peoples through rigorous scholarship, dialogue, collaboration and the arts. The Center’s work in publications, research and teaching is informed by an ethical commitment to the highest standards of equity and critical inquiry.
One such publication, I AM A MAN: Photographs of the Civil Rights Movement, 1960–1970, by William R. Ferris, the Joel R. Williamson Eminent Professor of History, not only exemplifies the Center’s work, but illustrates how critical inquiry into the past alongside acclaimed teacher-scholars at Carolina can provide direction for a young person’s future career and also a sense of belonging in the South.
Jay Underwood, a member of the College’s Center for the Study of the American South Advisory Board, established the William R. Ferris Undergraduate Research Fund, during the campaign. This new fund — inspired by the experience that Underwood’s daughter, Greer Underwood ’22, had conducting research alongside Ferris on his book — supports undergraduate students as they pursue research in Southern studies.
Speaking of Ferris’ extensive body of work, Underwood said, “He has humbly and selflessly made a difference for so many.” The Ferris Fund paves the way for undergraduates to conduct innovative and applied research in all areas related to the American South.
Britney Hong ’24, an American studies and human development and family science double major, received support from the Ferris Undergraduate Research Fund and worked with the Southern Oral History Program in spring 2022. With support from the Ferris Fund, Britney gathered testimonies about the lived experiences of Southern Asian Americans and disseminated her important findings.
“I strive to share stories of the Asian American diaspora,” Britney said. “By doing so, I am on a mission to unveil where each of us belongs in the large context of Asian America and in the small context of our own communities. I believe in storytelling as forms of education and activism, and I hope to pursue a career in education policy and Asian American advocacy.”
With support from generous benefactors, like Underwood, and students like Britney, the Center for the Study of the American South is delivering on its mission to support scholarship on the historical, cultural, economic, social and political aspects of the American South.
