ICAN University is a virtual African American institution dedicated to advancing education, research, and leadership in African American community archives, archival studies, narrative practice, and Black Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums (BGLAM).

Our mission is to prepare a new generation of cultural stewards who will safeguard, interpret, and share the rich tapestry of African American history and heritage for generations to come.

ICAN University’s programs are grounded in story, memory, and community—preparing graduates with archival expertise and cultural insight to preserve and share African American heritage.

We believe that the preservation of African American memory is essential to understanding the past, empowering the present, and shaping the future. Through innovative online learning, ICAN University blends academic rigor with community‑centered engagement, offering students opportunities to explore the intersections of storytelling, archival practice, and cultural heritage preservation.

• Story – Honoring the narratives that shape African American history and identity.
  
  

• Memory – Preserving cultural legacies through archives and scholarship.
  
  

• Community – Building collaborative networks for education and empowerment.
  
  

• Excellence – Committing to high academic and ethical standards.
  
  

• Innovation – Using technology to expand access and impact.

• African American Community Archives
  
  

• Archival Studies
  
  

• Narrative Practice
  
  

• Black Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums (BGLAM)