The African American and African Diaspora Studies Graduate Society (AAADSGS) is an organization devoted to the intellectual stewardship of all graduate students in the Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies (AAADS) at Indiana University, Bloomington. The purpose of the AAADGS is to bring MA and PhD students together for both academic and social camaraderie and professional development. One of the main events that our graduate society puts together is the annual Herman C. Hudson Symposium. Herman C. Hudson founded and chaired the present day African American and African Diaspora Studies Department at Indiana University and our organization memorializes him through the Symposium. The symposium is an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to professionalize themselves academically by presenting their work, and provides a medium in which issues facing the diverse African Diaspora can be properly addressed.