Deanna Hayden is a second-year doctoral student studying Communication, Culture, and Media Studies in the Cathy Hughes School of Communications at Howard University. She is also an alumna of Spelman College and George Washington University. At Howard, Deanna serves as Graduate Assistant to Knight Chair in Race and Journalism and creator of The 1619 Project, Nikole Hannah-Jones. She is honored to work under the guidance of a journalist whose contributions have sparked global conversations. In addition, her research interests focus on Africana studies, critical film studies, Black girlhood studies, and the intersections of social justice. Her passion is rooted in her upbringing in Mississippi, where she gained a deep appreciation for historical and cultural preservation. As a cultural curator, Deanna strives to utilize her academic and social foundations as catalysts to foster meaningful discussions, inspire creativity and promote social change among diverse communities.
