# Center for Black Digital Research > research institute in US **Wikidata**: [Q124453584](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q124453584) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/center-for-black-digital-research ## Summary The Center for Black Digital Research (CBDR) is a U.S.-based research institute established in 2021 at Pennsylvania State University, dedicated to advancing the study of African American history and culture through digital methodologies. Led by co-directors P. Gabrielle Foreman and Shirley Moody-Turner, it operates under the Penn State College of Liberal Arts and emphasizes collaborative, accessible scholarship. ## Key Facts - Founded in **2021** (circa), as documented in archived web records. - Part of **Penn State College of the Liberal Arts**. - Co-directed by **P. Gabrielle Foreman** and **Shirley Moody-Turner**. - Focuses on **African American history**, with an emphasis on digital research methods. - Official website: **https://digblk.psu.edu/** (in English). - Known aliases: **Pennsylvania State University Center for Black Digital Research**, **#DigBlk**. - Based in the **United States**, with a mission to expand access to Black historical scholarship. ## FAQs ### Q: When was the Center for Black Digital Research founded? A: The institute was established in **2021**, though the exact date is approximated based on archival records. ### Q: What is the Center’s primary focus? A: It specializes in African American history, using digital tools to analyze and disseminate underrepresented narratives. ### Q: Who leads the Center? A: The co-directors are **P. Gabrielle Foreman** and **Shirley Moody-Turner**, both affiliated with Penn State. ### Q: How does the Center approach research? A: It prioritizes **digital innovation**, collaboration, and public engagement to make historical scholarship accessible beyond academia. ## Why It Matters The Center for Black Digital Research addresses historical gaps in the representation of African American experiences by leveraging digital platforms to uncover, preserve, and reinterpret marginalized narratives. By combining rigorous academic inquiry with modern technology, it democratizes access to Black history, fostering educational and cultural equity. Its work not only enriches scholarly discourse but also empowers communities to engage with their heritage, making it a vital resource for both researchers and the public. ## Notable For - First dedicated research hub for Black digital studies at Penn State. - Interdisciplinary approach integrating history, literature, and digital humanities. - Pioneering use of digital tools to analyze topics like **Black activism**, **literary recovery**, and **archival preservation**. - Strong emphasis on **community collaboration** and public-facing initiatives. - Recognized under aliases such as **#DigBlk**, reflecting its modern, accessible identity. ## Body ### History and Founding The Center for Black Digital Research was established in **2021** under the Penn State College of Liberal Arts. Its creation responded to a growing need for innovative, technology-driven scholarship in African American studies, as evidenced by its archived website launch in October 2021. The institute’s founding marked a strategic commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices through digital research. ### Affiliation and Leadership As a unit of **Penn State College of the Liberal Arts**, the Center benefits from institutional support while maintaining a specialized focus. Its co-directors, **P. Gabrielle Foreman** and **Shirley Moody-Turner**, are prominent scholars in African American literary and historical studies, guiding the institute’s mission to bridge traditional academia and digital innovation. ### Research Focus The Center’s work centers on **African American history**, with projects spanning: - **Digital recovery**: Reconstructing fragmented historical records using digital tools. - **Literary analysis**: Applying computational methods to Black literary texts. - **Public history**: Creating accessible digital resources for educators and communities. ### Digital Methodology A key distinction of the Center is its integration of **digital humanities** practices, including data visualization, archival digitization, and online platforms for collaborative research. This approach aligns with its goal to make scholarship **open-access** and engaging for diverse audiences, as highlighted through its website and social media alias **#DigBlk**. ### Public Engagement Beyond academic research, the Center fosters community ties through workshops, digital exhibits, and partnerships with cultural institutions. These efforts reflect its commitment to ensuring Black historical narratives reach beyond university settings, promoting broader dialogue about race, identity, and social justice. ### Recognition and Identity The institute is formally classified as a **research institute** in library and knowledge systems, with a Wikidata entry emphasizing its U.S.-based operations. Its aliases, such as **#DigBlk**, underscore its modern, inclusive ethos, while its English-language website ensures global accessibility. ### Institutional Context As part of Penn State’s **College of the Liberal Arts**, the Center contributes to the university’s broader mission of advancing social and cultural research. Its structure as a standalone institute allows focused investment in digital infrastructure and interdisciplinary collaboration, distinguishing it from traditional academic departments. ## References 1. [Source](https://digblk.psu.edu/about/) 2. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20211019003158/https://digblk.psu.edu/)