Charles Butler, Guarini ’26 (MALS, General Liberal Studies), was awarded the 2026 Byam Shaw-Brownstone Thesis Excellence Award for his thesis, The Thinnest Veil, a narrative that uses one woman’s story to examine the transatlantic slave trade and the redemptive power of love and personal determination.
What do you consider your hometown and how has it shaped who you are today?
My hometown is Harlem, NY. Harlem is located in the northern portion of Manhattan and is historically known as the Black enclave for people of color all over the world, in NYC. It shaped me into who I am today by providing me with an environment and positive examples of who Black people could be.
No matter where I would come to live later throughout my life, the reminder of where I came from always gave me a sense of self-pride.
Where did you earn your undergraduate degree and what was it in?
I earned my undergraduate degree from Iona University. It was in Information Systems (BBA).
Tell us about your thesis. What is it about? What inspired you to pursue this research?
The Thinnest Veil is a work of fiction set in a historical colonial world that traces the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade. The main character, Anuli, is abducted from her home in Nigeria and is sold into deeper levels of the American slave system. I wanted to write from a woman’s perspective in this project and think about what power this character would have in this world.
I also wanted to explore West African culture and origin, and the influence they have left in other places they have been. In August 2025, I traveled to Barbados to research the direction of my story. I spent several months researching the details in the chapters, chasing plausibility.
I was able to connect the dots in the unknown areas of my own family’s story and later migrations by engaging in this research. I was able to learn about the mystique and stigmatized labels attached to religions like Hoodoo and other variations of these African-born spiritualities.
What does it mean to you to receive the MALS thesis award?
I don’t get excited about too much, as those closest to me can attest, but I teared up a bit upon receiving notice of this award. Coming into this MALS educational experience, I set very high expectations I wanted to achieve, and I have been able to hit almost all of my goals. This award was an unforeseen highlight to close out an already magnificent experience at Dartmouth.
Why did you choose Dartmouth to pursue your degree?
I chose Dartmouth to pursue my degree because I wanted to challenge myself academically and stretch my pedagogical approach to high school education. I originally intended to focus on history and research-related writing. After trying my hand at a few creative writing courses, I realized I had found my passion.
What’s one challenge you faced in graduate school, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was the fact that I had completed my undergraduate studies in 2006. So returning to school after 20 years was daunting and intimidating. But, after quickly realizing that not only did I belong, but that I knew I could contribute something unique and enriching to the classroom, I shifted my insecurities about my past into embracing the perspectives and viewpoints my experiences have given me.
What’s next for you—and what are you most looking forward to in this new chapter?
I am leaving Vermont Academy in Saxtons River, Vermont, for Kipp Academy in Lynn, MA. I intend to take the lessons I’ve learned at Dartmouth and a New England boarding school to positively impact the lives of inner-city public school children. I would also like to obtain a PhD for my educational experience in the near future.
What is your favorite place or activity that you like best in the Hanover area?
One of my personal favorite locations was Still North Books and Bar. I would find a way to crunch out writing while enjoying the seasonal rotation of craft brew offerings. I also enjoyed spending time in the stacks and the older rooms tucked away in Baker Library. There was something about being in Baker until 2-3 pm, running over to ’53 Commons for snacks, most evenings, that became a normal, enjoyable routine for me.
