Lander Student Named to Prestigious Fellowship at International African American Museum
June 15, 2026
Amaiya Nichols, a rising junior majoring in international studies, and a member of the Lander Dance Team, was recently named a Sankofa Fellow at the International African American Museum (IAAM). The IAAM Sankofa Fellowship provides rising juniors and seniors with tools to become transformative leaders. The Sankofa Fellowship connects student fellows with culturally rooted community organizations and leaders to equip the next generation to honor the past while creating a more equitable future. The fellowship is generously funded by Pisgah Investments Foundation, Inc.
“We are very proud of Amaiya for earning this prestigious fellowship,” said Dr. Lucas McMillan, dean of the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at Lander. “She has already emerged as an academic star and campus leader at Lander. This past spring, she interned at the Benjamin E. Mays Historic Site and learned more about historic preservation and public history. We are excited for her to have this experience at a world-class museum, the International African American Museum.”
Featured Mentor: Dr. Thaddeus Bell
As part of the program, Nichols and other Sankofa Fellows will be mentored by Dr. Thaddeus Bell, renowned founder of Closing the Gap in Health Care. A distinguished physician in the Charleston medical community, Dr. Bell has dedicated his professional career to decreasing health disparities and increasing health literacy in African American and underserved communities. His leadership will set the stage for the fellows’ exploration of health equity as a vital pillar of community leadership.
Community Partner Spotlight: AMOR Healing Kitchen
A central component of the first week of the Sankofa Fellowship is a partnership with AMOR Healing Kitchen, a Charleston-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit advancing the powerful connection between nutritious food, community, and wellness. Since its founding in 2018, AMOR has delivered more than 100,000 plant-based meals to individuals facing critical health challenges, while empowering local teens through volunteerism and culinary education. Under the leadership of founder and executive director Maria Kelley, who brings 14 years of experience in education and a deep passion for culinary medicine, AMOR Healing Kitchen utilizes local agriculture and youth mentorship to prove that “getting back to the earth” can help heal chronic disease.
To provide specialized instruction, AMOR Healing Kitchen has engaged two expert consultant chefs to lead the fellows:
Fifteen Days of Immersive Cultural Experience
The Sankofa Fellowship is structured to move fellows from theoretical understanding to practical application:
About the International African American Museum
The International African American Museum (IAAM) explores the history, culture and impact of the African American journey on Charleston, South Carolina, the nation and the world, shining light and sharing stories of the diverse journeys, origin and achievements of descendants of the African Diaspora. Located at the historically sacred site of Gadsden’s Wharf, IAAM honors the untold stories of the African American journey. Learn more about IAAM at www.iaamuseum.org and follow IAAM on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, TikTok and LinkedIn.
About Lander University:
Lander University is a comprehensive public university in Greenwood, South Carolina, that focuses on preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s workforce. Lander offers high-demand and market-driven programs in business, education, nursing and STEM within a rich liberal arts tradition that equips graduates for responsible participation in their communities and their future careers. For more information visit: www.lander.edu.
