A third-generation storyteller, Elizabeth James usually tells stories that have been passed down to her by her mother and grandmother — stories of different times and of other cultures.
Photo by Eric Bronson, U-M Photo Services.
James, a program associate in the Department of Afroamerican and African Studies (DAAS), now has some stories of her own to tell. She was diagnosed in 2006 with cryptogenic cirrhosis of the liver, and survived a life-saving liver transplant last August by the U-M Transplant Center.
James was surprised by her diagnosis because the disease often is associated with alcohol consumption — but she never was a drinker. She says that after her experience, she has a great appreciation for the medical field and the transplant process.
“I feel it’s imperative to spread the word about transplants,” she says. “They are dangerous, but the results can be miraculous.”
James also celebrates the recent change in her unit, which she joined in 1992 when it was the Center for Afroamerican and African Studies, into an academic department. This, she says, signals the acknowledgement of Afroamerican and African studies as a “crucial” area of study.
“There’s so much you can do (with a degree in AAS),” she says. “The question is more what can’t you do with this major.”
In her position with DAAS, James serves as an outreach coordinator and assists with the department’s many programs and objectives. She works with professors in DAAS and other units scheduling and coordinating events and distributing announcements of various campus activities. Another of her responsibilities is assisting with coordinating study abroad programs for students. She also helps coordinate DAAS outreach programs such as Eco Girls, which helps young women learn about the environment and themselves, as well as gain self-esteem.
James also works with the Center for Educational Outreach on the college recruitment program, The Wolverine Express. “One thing I love about what I do is that I get to serve as an ambassador for the department,” she says.
She had the opportunity a few years ago to meet South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu when he visited the university.
“He was the sweetest man,” she says. “I was just entranced by his kindness. That was one of those special moments that made me especially honored to be a part of this department.”
James was named Advisor of the Year by the Office of Student Affairs and has been awarded several times for her service and dedication to the DAAS and the student community. But among all of her duties and her many accomplishments, James says she most cherishes her work as a committee member for the Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium, one of the most prominent MLK celebrations the country.
James’ mother told stories on the radio in Detroit, and she recalls hearing them as a child. “When you’re little, you don’t know all the words,” she says. “But over time you realize there are many lessons woven into the tale. I’m honored to be continuing that tradition.”
She celebrates her family’s legacy by presenting stories in many venues and for many audiences, at libraries, before children’s organizations, at college residence halls, cultural events, and even for the musician Prince. She likes to incorporate different voices in her stories, to portray different characters.
James recently has been telling her story about being a transplant recipient. “Afterward, a little fellow came up to me and said, ‘me too.’ It struck me on a profound level that we are never alone. That’s what I love about sharing stories.”
The weekly Spotlight features faculty and staff members at the university. To nominate a candidate, please contact the Record staff at [email protected].
