Welcome to Africana Studies

Mission Statement The Africana Studies Program at the University of New Mexico uses an interdisciplinary approach to uncover and examine the historical, political and cultural experiences of peoples of Africa and of African-descent in New Mexico, the Southwest, the Americas, and across the global diaspora. We are committed to educating and encouraging students of all races and ethnicities to think critically about the interplay of race in the lives of individuals, institutions, and societies. We seek to enhance students' awareness of and commitment to issues of social justice and community service.

Upcoming Events Day Event Feb 6, 2010 Africana Studies Day in Hobbs Feb 9, 2010 Public Lecture: 'My Black is Beautiful' Feb 9, 2010 STEP AFRIKA Feb 11, 2010 Tolerari Protest? European Racism and Religion in Africa Feb 19, 2010 The Economics of Colorism Feb 28, 2010 A Message to Youth: From Pain to Power by Daniel Beaty Feb 28, 2010 Black History Poster Presentations Mar 4-6 , 2010 Black Cultural Conference Useful Links Major in Africana Studies Declaring a MAJOR/MINOR Blogspot for AFST-UNM Subscribe to our ListServ

News

Thank you to Dr. Charles Becknell for presenting at 'Sharing Best Practices: Culture and Identity - We Rise Together, We Fall Together'. Africana Studies was asked to contribute our ideas on what makes for a strong program and Dr. Becknell aptly presented our desire to be the moral compass of the students and the benefits that come from being asked to interrupt your comfort to think on the state of the world. Thank you.

Dr.Shiame Okunor recognized as Person of the Year at our Kick-Off Brunch. Dr.Okunor served as Director Africana Studies from 1980 until 2005 and founded and directed many AAS initiatives, including the Charlie Morrisey Research Hall, New Mexico's leading repository of documents on the contributions of African Americans in the Southwest. He received the Person of the Year Award to recognize him for establishing the Annual Black History Month Kick-off Brunch to celebrate African American history and culture in New Mexico, an event that remains a monument after 25 years.

A memorial service will take place at the UNM SUB Ballroom B on Sunday, February 21 from 2 to 5 p.m. For further details, please contact Rita Powdrell at MRPOWDRELLSBBQ@aol.com

Sunday, February 28, 2010 at 4 p.m.
UNM Continuing Education Building, Auditorium
Daniel Beaty shares his journey-growing up with a father who was a heroin addict & dealer, and a brother who was addicted to crack cocaine-and how he discovered his purpose. This show is geared toward all ages and is specially priced to make it affordable for the entire family. Beaty is an award-winning playwright, actor, singer and composer, who has performed around the world, including his famous work appearing on HBO's Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam and BET's 106 & Park.

Tickets are $10 each and will be available soon at www.unmtickets.com or by calling the UNM Ticket Office at 505-925-5858 or toll free at 877-664-8661.

To view flyer, click here

The schedule for the spring 2010 is now available in the courses link. For more info click here

If you have any comments or questions, please email the department at afamstds@unm.edu.

If there are any questions or comments towards the website, email Satish Chaitanya Vaddey at chaitu07@unm.edu.