November 4 "coffee hour" presentation
On Wednesday, November 4, Ann Dillard will present "Friends of Senegal" from 2:30-4:00 in the Geneva H. Southall Library (Social Sciences Tower 815). [Presentation Abstract]
October 30, 2009
February 16, 2009
February 18 "Coffee Hour" presentation
The department's Spring 2009 "Coffee Hour" series will be composed of presentations from senior undergraduate students. On Wednesday, February 18, Noah Sims will present "Who Were the Zanj?" from 2:30-4:00 in the Geneva H. Southall Library (Social Sciences Tower 815). Noah will examine a community of Africans who overthrew labor-intensive slavery in 9th Century Southern Iraq.
January 16, 2009
January 24, 2009 40th Anniversary roundtable discussion
Morrill Hall 40 Years Later: The Legacy Of Activism and Engaged Scholarship Continues, a roundtable discussion on the Morrill Hall Occupation of 1969 will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2009, 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. in the Presidents Room of Coffman Memorial Union.
In January of 1969 Black students at the University of Minnesota staged an occupation of Morrill Hall &mdash home of University administration &mdash to demand the creation of a department committed to Black studies. Their actions led to the formation of the University's Department of African American & African Studies, along with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Advising Office and the Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence.
On the 40th anniversary of that event, Twin Cities community members and participants in the 1969 Morrill Hall Takeover will convene a roundtable discussion to review the events of January, 1969, and to reflect on the legacy of their actions. They will also talk about the role of activism today. The public is welcome to attend and will be invited to participate in a question and answer session.
Panelists:
- Spike Moss, The Way community organization (1969)
- Lester Cannon, U of M Student (1969)
- Mahmoud El-Kati, The Way community organization (1969)
- Marie Braddock Williams, U of M Student (1969)
- Dr. Horace Huntley, U of M Student (1969)
- Rose Freeman Massey, U of M Student (1969)
- Dr. John Wright, U of M Student (1969); AA&AS faculty member
- Jared E. Leighton, graduate student at the U of Nebraska, and author of the Master's degree thesis "'A Small Revolution': The Role of a Black Power Revolt in Creating and Sustaining a Black Studies Department at the University of Minnesota."
November 14, 2008
Youth Conference information and commentary
On Friday, November 7, 2008, the department kicked off 40th Anniversary events with a youth conference, "Standing on the Shoulders of Giants." Information and commentary:
- conference agenda
- November 6, 2008 Minnesota Daily article
- November 8, 2008 St. Paul Pioneer Press article (also available as a pdf file that does not display the online slide-show)
November 10, 2008
40th Anniversary panel discussion
On November 12, 2008, several faculty and a graduate student will hold a rountable discussion of the peaceful protest efforts that forced the University to establish a Black Studies unit on campus. The panelists will examine several competing narratives about the events surrounding the January 15, 1969 occupation of Morrill Hall. The panel will include professors Rose Brewer, Keith Mayes, Yuichiro Onishi, and John Wright of African American & African Studies, as well as Ph.D. candidate Alisha Volante of the History department.
November 6, 2008
"Standing on the Shoulders of Giants" agenda
Click HERE for a copy of the agenda for the November 7, 2008 "Standing on the Shoulders of Giants" conference agenda.
November 4, 2008
November 7 Conference
Click HERE for the conference flyer.
October 27, 2008
October 29 "coffee hour" presentation
On Wednesday, October 29, Njeri Githire will present "Contextualizing Regional Identity and Literary Imaginary: East Africa and the Indian Ocean" from 2:30-4:00 in the Geneva H. Southall Library (Social Sciences Tower 815). [Presentation Abstract]
October 20, 2008
October 22 "coffee hour" presentation
On Wednesday, October 22, Alexs Pate will present "The Adventures of the Black Arrow: Search for Libertalia Cosmology of a Novel-in-Progress" from 2:30-4:00 in the Geneva H. Southall Library (Social Sciences Tower 815). [Presentation Abstract]
May 5, 2008
May 7 "coffee hour" presentation
On Wednesday, May 7, Trica Keaton will present "The Social Significance of Race in France: The Case of the 2005 Uprisings in Life and Art" from 2:00-3:30 in the Geneva H. Southall Library (Social Sciences Tower 815). [Presentation Abstract]
May 1, 2008
Swahili Open Day
The 2nd Annual Swahili Open Day will be this Saturday, May 3rd, from 12:00 until 4:00 in the Humphrey Atrium. Stop by to experience the festivities, visit the informational booths, and enjoy delicious East African Food.
April 21, 2008
April 23 "coffee hour" presentation
On Wednesday, April 23, Saje Mathieu will present "Bound for Canaan: Lynching, Escape, and Canadian Sanctuary" from 2:00-3:30 in the Geneva H. Southall Library (Social Sciences Tower 815). [Presentation Abstract]
April 7, 2008
April 9 "coffee hour" presentation
On Wednesday, April 9, Dr. Irma McClaurin will discuss new initiatives of the Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center (UROC) and the University Northside Partnership from 2:00-3:30 in the Geneva H. Southall Library (Social Sciences Tower 815). Dr. McClaurin is Associate Vice President for System Academic Administration and Executive Director of the Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center in North Minneapolis.
March 31, 2008
April 2 "coffee hour" presentation
On Wednesday, April 2, Vera Fennell will present "'The Righteous Struggle': Reading Race in the Creation of Afro-Asian Solidarity" from 2:00-3:30 in the Geneva H. Southall Library (Social Sciences Tower 815). [Presentation Abstract]
March 25, 2008
March 26 "coffee hour" presentation
On Wednesday, March 26, Catherine Squires will present "Can Obama 'Transcend' or Not? Race and Identifications in News Coverage of the 2008 Presidential Race" from 2:00-3:30 in the Geneva H. Southall Library (Social Sciences Tower 815). [Presentation Abstract]
March 24, 2008
"It Just Ain't the Sixties No More" lecture
On Friday, March 28, Professor Michael Omi (University of California-Berkeley) will present "It Just Ain't the Sixties No More: The Problems and Promise of Comparative Ethnic Studies." This lecture will be held from 3:00-5:00 in CSOM 2-260Z. It is the third event in the "Ethnic Studies in the Neo-Liberal University" lecture series.
February 26, 2008
Global Media <-> Diasporic Cultures series
Along with the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, AA&AS is the primary sponsor of a 2008 speaker series, Global Media <-> Diasporic Cultures. Two speakers have already visited campus; join us on March 12 for the next speaker: Sean Jacobs will present "Globalization, Liberal Democracy, Mass Media, and the Rainbow Nation" on March 12.
February 25, 2008
"Living the Hiplife" screening
On Thursday, February 28, AA&AS graduate student Nneka Onyilofor will screen the new documentary Living the Hiplife, about rap music in West Africa. The screening and discussion will be held from 6:00 to 8:30 in room 10 of Blegen Hall. Snacks will be provided.
February 11, 2008
February 13 "Coffee Hour" presentation
On Wednesday, February 13, Zenzele Isoke will present "Gender, Social Capital and the Problematics of Racial Liberalism in Hip Hop" from 2:00-3:30 in the Geneva H. Southall Library (Social Sciences Tower 815). [Presentation Abstract]
January 29, 2008
Global Media <-> Diasporic Cultures
In 2008 AA&AS and the School of Journalism and Mass Communication are the primary sponsors of a speaker series: "Global Media <-> Diasporic Cultures." Corporations within the transnational media industry compete to capitalize upon traditions and popular cultural forms from around the globe. Simultaneously, artists and audiences from these cultural spaces continue to innovate and migrate in the shifting economic and social landscapes of the 21st century. Courting these multicultural, often nomadic, audiences, media makers seek to acquire, shape, and re-shape cultural materials in order to transmit products that draw upon and market to different racial, cultural, and national identities. The speakers in this series have produced cutting-edge research on this quickly changing landscape of media texts and cultures. Their work sheds light on genres, styles, and stars of this multinational media era, as well as the cultural, social, political, and economic phenomena that drive trends in this media landscape. Members of the university community, as well as communities within the Twin Cities, who attend these talks will be able to engage with the speakers about specific cases of media products and persona that reflect upon global media cultures, and discuss the often problematic deployment of race, ethnicity, gender, and national identities represented in many media trends.
The following speakers have been scheduled: Bambi Haggins (University of Michigan), author of Laughing Mad: The Black Comic Persona in Post-Soul America; University of Minnesota faculty member Jigna Desai, author of Beyond Bollywood: The Cultural Politics of South Asian Diasporic Film; Deborah Paredez (University of Texas, Austin), author of the forthcoming book Selenidad: Selena, Latinos, and the Performance of Memory; Sean Jacobs (University of Michigan), South African journalist and scholar; and University of Minnesota faculty member Richard Martinez, who is working on analysis of news coverage of the 2006 immigration protests. Martinez will kick off the series on Friday, February 1, 2008 (12-1:10 in Murphy Hall 228).
December 6, 2007
"What in the World is Social and Cultural Analysis?"
On Monday, December 10, Professor Lisa Duggan (New York University) will present "What in the World is Social and Cultural Analysis? Departmentalization and the Future of Ethnic Studies at NYU." This lecture will be held from 2:00-4:00 in 402 Walter Library. It is the second event in the "Ethnic Studies in the Neo-Liberal University" lecture series.
December 3, 2007
December 5 "Coffee Hour" presentation
On Wednesday, December 5, Njeri Githire will present "Cannibalism and the Erotics of Domination: Rewriting Imperial Conquest in Caribbean Women's Writings" from 3:00-4:30 in the Geneva H. Southall Library (Social Sciences Tower 815). [Presentation Abstract]
November 26, 2007
Are Universities Liberal Places?
On Thursday, November 29, Professor David Roediger (U. of Illinois) will present "Are Universities Liberal Places?" This lecture will be held from 2:00-4:00 in 101 Walter Library. It is the first event in the "Ethnic Studies in the Neo-Liberal University" lecture series.
21st Century Ethnic Studies
Along with American Indian Studies, Asian American Studies, and Chicano Studies, the department is sponsoring a lecture series:Ethnic Studies in the Neo-Liberal University: Institutionalizing New Critical Paradigms. Public lectures are free and open to the public.
November 12, 2007
November 14 "Coffee Hour" presentation
On Wednesday, November 14, Alexs Pate will present "Ya Feel Me?: The Meaning and Nature of Saturation in Rap/Poetry" from 2:00-3:00 in the Geneva H. Southall Library (Social Sciences Tower 815). [Presentation Abstract]
November 5, 2007
BSU Black Heritage Festival
The following message is from the Black Student Union.
Every year the Black Student Union (BSU), in partnership with AA&AS and the African Student Association, hosts The Unity Dinner. It is an event open to the public, with a dinner portion, a few speakers, and a discussion. This year we are stepping up the event and redefining its focus. The event is now known as the Black Heritage Festival, and we are hoping that this is something that can be built upon annualy. Event details:
- Theme this year: "Defining Diaspora." We felt that with this being the first time this event is being held, it would ideal to analyze and understand the cultures and peoples who make up the African Diaspora.
- Dinner portion: The foods have been narrowed down to represent regions of the United States, parts of Africa, and the Caribbean/South American regions. Dinner will be accompanied by jazz music and a PowerPoint presentation: "Images of the Diaspora."
- African drumming.
- A Jazz band (The band leader is also a lecturer, and will be speaking on music of the diaspora).
- Two poets.
- Two traditional African dance teams.
- An African American dance act.
- Diaspora documentary filmed by BSU students, documenting the diversity among our community, as well as the various cultural influences that make up the Diaspora. The video is composed of student and faculty interviews.
The event is being run on an RSVP format, and we are encouraging semi-formal/business casual/evening wear.
The event will be held in the Great Hall of Coffman Memorial Union on Sunday, November 18, 2007. The doors open at 5:30PM; the event starts at 6:00PM, and is tentatively schceduled to end at 8:30PM.
Thank you in advance for your support!
Wilfried S. Zehourou
President of the Black Student Union
E-mail: Zeho0002@umn.edu
Black Student Union
CMU Room 209
300 Washington Ave S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-624-8938
"Black Student Union Board 2007-2008, Always At Your Service."
October 21, 2007
Ellen Ndeshi Namhila lecture
On Tuesday, October 23 Ellen Ndeshi Namhila will present "Memories of the Struggle Against Apartheid" at 3:15 in the Ford Room (710 Social Sciences Tower).
Ellen Ndeshi Namhila is the author of The Price of Freedom, her autobiography which was published in 1997. This autobiography is based on Ellen's experiences during Namibia's struggle for freedom and independence from the South African apartheid regime. She left Namibia in 1976 at the age of 12 to join the liberation struggle in exile.
In her talk, Ellen will relate to us part of her story as a refugee, living in exile, and what it meant to her. She will share with the audience some of her reasons for writing the Price of Freedom, the questions the book is asking, and whether she would ask the same questions if she were to write this book today, 10 years later. She will also discuss what writing this book has meant for her, the impact of the book, and how she dealt with public response. Lastly, Ellen will talk about her work in progress about the role of women in the liberation struggle of Namibia, based on oral history research.
For more information contact the Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Global Change at 612-624-0832 or icgc@umn.edu.
October 15, 2007
October 17 "Coffee Hour" presentation
On Wednesday, October 17, Keith Mayes will present "'To Put Down Crazy Cracker Celebrations': Toward a Theory of Black Holidays and the Logic of Holiday Placement and Calendar Protest" from 2-3:30 in the Geneva H. Southall Library (Social Sciences Tower 815). [Presentation Abstract]
October 10, 2007
Jena 6 protest planning meeting
On Saturday, October 13, a statewide protest planning meeting about Jena 6 injustices will be held from 1:00-4:00 PM at the Minneapolis Urban League, 2100 Plymouth Ave. N.
guest speaker in SWAH 3225/4225
On Thursday, October 11, a guest speaker will visit the department's Intermediate Swahili class (SWAH 3225/4225). The speaker will present a general talk on poverty in Kenya and Uganda, as noted below. All are welcome to attend.
Speaker: Mary Whelan
Topic: Issues of poverty in Kenya and Uganda
Date: Thursday, October 11, 2007
Place: Bell Museum Auditorium
Time: 2:10 p.m.
September 29, 2007
Sino-African solidarity
At 3:30 on Wednesday, October 3, 2007, Vera Fennell (Humphrey Institute, University of Minnesota) will present "Preliminary Thoughts on Race and Foreign Policy: Sino-African Solidarity in Three Keys" in room 308 of the Andersen Library.
September 24, 2007
September 26 "Coffee Hour" presentation
On Wednesday, September 26, Yuichiro Onishi will present "The Ring Shout as the Modalities of Afro-Asian Solidarities" from 2-3:30 in the Geneva H. Southall Library (Social Sciences Tower 815). [Presentation Abstract]
Continue reading "September 26 "Coffee Hour" presentation" »
September 10, 2007
faculty meeting
The department will hold a faculty meeting on Wednesday, September 12, 2-3:30 in the Geneva Southall Library (Social Sciences 815).
September 4, 2007
New Student Convocation
Today (Tuesday, September 4, 2007) is the first day of classes! If you are new to the university, check out the New Student Convocation at 4:30 in the Northrop Auditorium.
August 28, 2007
all instructor meeting (reminder)
Everyone who is teaching an AA&AS class during the 2007-2008 year should attend the all instructor meeting on Wednesday, August 29, 2007, 3:30-4:30 in the Southall Library (815 Social Sciences). We will review information related to creating powerful learning experiences for students.
August 15, 2007
all instructor meeting
Everyone who is teaching an AA&AS class during the 2007-2008 year should attend the all instructor meeting on Wednesday, August 29, 2007, 3:30-4:30 in the Southall Library (815 Social Sciences). We will review information related to creating powerful learning experiences for students.