Description
The African American Theme Program (AATP): Living & Learning Amongst the African Diaspora
In partnership with the African American Student Development Office (AASD), the African American Theme Program (AATP) provides a community for students to build community and learn about Black/African theorists, scholars and organizers. A live-in Theme Program Resident Assistant (TPRA) provides resources and support for residents’ social and academic needs. Our academic seminar (AAS194), is designed to serve as a transitional support course for African American students, specifically first year frosh and first year transfers. The course will focus on enhancing and developing skills to aid in personal, academic, and social success while exploring what it means to be an African American/Black/African Diasporic student at UC Berkeley. Participants are encouraged to openly discuss specific issues related to the African diaspora in the University community, the country, and the world. Students will gain leadership skills, learn to better understand one another, build CommUNITY that can last a lifetime, and have fun!
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Naming of the Afro Floor:
It is a tradition that every year, the Afro Floor names their floor (cohort) and announces their name at the Spring Open House event.
Past Floor Names:
Chocolate City (2002), Fro Row (2003), The Village (2004), Soul Central (2005), Onyx Oasis (2006), Ebony Empire (2007), In Living Color (2008), Black diamond (2009), Sepia Hill (2010), Sankofa Soul (2011), YBI (Young Black Intellectuals), Renaissance (2012), IMPACT (Increasing Minority Power At Cal Together) (2013), B.E.R.K. (Black Equipped Resilient Keen) (2014), Obsidian The Movement (OTM) (2015), New Harlem (2016), MelaNation (2017), People With Resilience (PWR) (2018), Destined for New Achievement (DNA) (2019), Black n Beautiful (BNB) (2020), BlackPrint (2021), Black Renaissance (2022), Melanated Minds (2023), Divine Melanin (2024), Melanated Masterpiece (2025), To be announced (2026)
Program Requirements
AATP residents are expected to spend 2–4 hours a week engaged in and actively participate in theme program activities, including:
- A yearlong (fall and spring) seminar course, African American Studies 194A/B. The mandatory seminar is a 2-unit/semester, graded class that meets weekly on Wednesdays from 5-7PM. If you’re admitted to AATP, you will be given more information about how to enroll in the class.
- Participation in Senior Weekend Activities during the Spring Semester (Dates TBA)
- AATP Fall Weekend Retreat (Dates TBA)
- Regular AATP floor meetings, as organized by the Theme Program Resident Assistants (TPRAs).
- Theme program signature events and events sponsored by the African American Student Development Office including Black Student Orientation (August) Kwanzaa Celebration (December), Open House (Spring), Debates (Spring) & the Black Undergraduate Research Symposium (May)
Signature Events & Programming
Events include a wide variety of interaction with fellow students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members through various community activities. AATP participants are a vital contribution to the Black community at Cal and engage in several programs including Black History Month Programming, Community Engagement Programs, Research Projects, a retreat and more. Through the AAS194A/B Seminar, students will have assignments, readings and be connected with key campus resources, faculty, staff, and peers who may serve as an academic and social support network.
Living Space
AATP residents live together in mini-suites in Christian Hall, Unit 1, which is situated in South Berkeley, one block from campus and a few blocks away from the bustle of Telegraph Avenue. It’s only a 5 minute walk to the Fannie Lou Hamer Resource Center! For more information about Unit 1, including amenities and features, academic services, and more, please visit Housing.