By Heather Johnson
Darius Young, Ph.D., has been named interim director for Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Meek-Eaton Black Archives (MEBA). Young temporarily replaces Nashid Madyun, DM, who was named executive director of Florida Humanities in May.
Young is an associate professor of history and director of FAMU Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP).
Young, who previously worked with MEBA, said he is eager to return to the archives and help advance its central priorities.
Darius Young, Ph.D.
“The Black archives was our lab where I honed skills as a researcher that were critical to my development,” he said.
Although Young recently transitioned to the position, he is actively prioritizing MEBA’s strategic initiatives.
“I plan to continue efforts to maintain FAMU’s funding from the Smithsonian to digitize our collections and expand our reach,” said Young. “FAMU’s legacy of preserving Black life in Florida allows us to still be relevant and accessible.”
Maurice Edington, Ph.D., provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, said he is actively seeking someone to permanently fill the role, but praised Young’s ability to serve in this capacity.
“Dr. Young has the energy, enthusiasm and expertise needed to effectively continue MEBA’s mission during this time of transition,” said Edington. “I am confident in his skills to manage our invaluable assets as well as his methodical dedication to research.”
Young is a two-time graduate of FAMU. He is an author and historian of Black political movements during the 20th century, and he has published a series of articles, book chapters, and reviews currently available in the African American Intellectual History Society’s Black Perspectives, The Journal of African American History, The Journal of Southern History, The Journal of American History, The Griot: The Journal of African American Studies, and the Florida Historical Quarterly.
Young is also a member of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, the Southern Conference on African American Studies, Inc., the American Studies Association, and the Organization of American Historians.
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