Dear Colleagues:
We are pleased to be at the midway point of the Department of African American Studies 40th Anniversary Celebrations. Since Fall 2008 the Department has brought many stimulating events to campus. We have many people to thank, especially the enthusiastic support and generous funding from Dean Ben Ogles of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Executive Vice President and Provost Kathy Krendl.

Throughout the celebrations the Department has built on the scholarly contributions of the past while extending the research of the faculty into new and fruitful areas. Joining with academic and community groups the faculty of the Department will continue to enrich the educational experiences of all our students. Teaching and advising have been at the core of the Department’s mission. The faculty is committed to ensuring that all students experience a fulfilling undergraduate career and are prepared to enter their chosen professions with the necessary skills and confidence to succeed. We are proud to be training the next generation of African American Studies scholars, professionals, and community leaders.

We are working with numerous colleagues across campus. The Center for African Studies and the Center for International Studies were our partners in bringing renowned African Americans Studies scholar and theologian Dr. Cornel West to campus. Dr. West’s keynote address at the Progressive Islam Conference highlighted the life and work of Mahmoud Mohamed Taha and contributed to undergraduate and graduate classes focusing on questions of human rights and economic development.

Our 2nd Annual Karamu was a great success. We extend our congratulations to our Karamu Trivia Competition Winners, "40 Years of African American Studies, Centuries of History and Culture:"

1st Place - Sydney Epps (Minor) received a $25 Gift Certificate to Little Professor.

2nd Place - Sheldon Andrus (Major) received $20 Gift Certificate to Chipotle.