The field of Russian studies does not necessarily reflect the diversity of professionals who contribute to it, and traditionally marginalized communities often fall through institutional cracks. This event explored the experiences of underrepresented community members as researchers and research subjects in the field of Russian and Eurasian studies.

Speakers Alexa Kurmanov, Louis H. Porter, and Kimberly St. Julian-Varnon discussed subjects including their personal experiences navigating professional and academic institutions in Russian studies, and observations on working with marginalized communities as a focus of research. The discussion also highlighted frequently overlooked figures and social movements in Russian studies, such as feminist movements in Central Asia and the contributions of Black women in Russian and Soviet history.

This event is cosponsored by the Department of World Languages and Cultures at Howard University, and is presented as part of the Kennan Institute’s Black History Month programming.

Send questions to our speakers by email to kennan@wilsoncenter.org, tweet @KennanInstitute, or write on our Facebook page.