The William Payne Innovation Lab for Racial, Social, Political and Communal Sustainability serves as the research arm of the academic program in the Center for Black Studies. The Payne Innovation Lab, named after Denison University alum William Payne, class of 1906, sponsors lectures, academic seminars, including activities and resources associated with the Allensworth, California, the first Black colony in California, and other predominately Black cities facing racial, social and political injustices. The William Payne Innovation Lab works in partnership with the California State Parks to preserve the heritage, ideals, and history of Allensworth, California and its founders Col. Allen Allensworth and William Payne. The Lab also works to assist students with internships, resources, academic support, and career opportunities with the National Parks Service, including the California State Park and Allensworth, California, including other opportunities which support economic, political and social equality for marginalized groups. The Lab also serves as a resource in exploring initiatives which extend and cater to the Center for Black Studies and Denison that dovetail with the mission and intellectual thrust of the Lab, which includes projects relating to racial, political and social justice, gender, sexuality, academic development, and mentoring.