University of Michigan African Studies Center

Join the African Studies Center’s African Heritage and Humanities Initiative for Digitization, Preservation and Performance of the Archive: How to Build a Library, a public event exploring the work of preserving, digitizing, and reimagining African archives.

The program will take place on Wednesday, April 15, and will include a panel discussion (2:00 p.m. in 1014 Tisch Hall) followed by a film screening and Q&A (5:00 p.m. in the UMMA Auditorium) of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival Official Selection, How to Build a Library. **Times are tentative and final times will be confirmed soon.

The panel will bring together scholars and practitioners engaged in archival work, including Dr. Derek Peterson, Angela Wachuka, Dr. Loyd Mbabu, Dr. Sauda Nabukenya (UMich alum) with additional participation from filmmaker Maia Lekow. The panel will be moderated by Dr. Alexis Antracoli of the Bentley Historical Library.

Please complete the linked form to RSVP and receive event updates, including confirmed times and additional details.
https://forms.gle/nuwvH8SwbcSMSnzL7

Thank you to everyone who attended our 2nd session of the UMAPS Research Colloquium!

If you haven't had a chance to attend this semester, there is one more session this upcoming Monday at 12PM in Weiser Hall 1010.

Thank you to everyone who supported the African Studies Center this Giving Blueday 💙

Because of you, ASC raised $4,186 from 25 donors in just 24 hours. That collective support makes a real difference in sustaining the programs, partnerships, and opportunities at the core of our work.

From student research and language study to collaborations with institutions across the African continent, every gift helps us continue building meaningful connections and expanding access to global learning.

We are so grateful to be part of a community that shows up in such a meaningful way. Thank you for being part of our community 💙

Thank you to all of our generous donors so far and your continued support for the ASC community! Every donation will go towards continuing the work that brings students, faculty, and partners together across continents to learn, research, and build lasting connections.

We are close to the finish line, and every gift right now helps sustain programs, expand opportunities, and keep this momentum going. If you’ve been meaning to give, this is your moment.

Join us before midnight: https://myumi.ch/kPb91

Giving Blueday 2026 Join me and make a gift to Giving Blueday!

Giving Blueday has ARRIVED!

Support African research at U-M by donating here: https://myumi.ch/kPb91

Five days until Giving Blueday 💙

On March 18, we’re inviting our community to support the African Studies Center and the students, scholars, and programs that make our work possible.

Your gift helps fund student research, language learning, visiting scholars, and events that bring global conversations to campus.

Mark your calendar and plan to join us:
https://myumi.ch/kPb91

African Studies Center (ASC) Join me and support what you love about LSA on Giving Blueday!

Like higher education everywhere, the ASC faced many challenges over the course of the winter semester especially as it relates to the future of our Title VI funding. As stressful as this was, what impressed me most was the way our Center staff and Title VI colleagues banded together to advocate for the transformative work that is funded through Title VI.

As my semester-long interim directorship comes to an end, I feel confident in saying that despite the uncertainty of the present moment, the ASC remains unwavering in its commitment to being a world class hub for African Studies here at UM and for the dissemination of knowledge locally and globally. As we turn towards summer, I hope that the coming months will bring the ASC community time for restoration, research, and whatever else you might need to come back in the fall feeling ready to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Thank you for welcoming me into the ASC fold and I look forward to serving the Center as a member of the EC next year.

Most of all, I look forward to welcoming Lade back to the ASC directorship!

The day has started and Giving Blueday is ongoing! Check out our progress at https://myumi.ch/8qz1R Join the movement and make your gift to . First-time donors who give $50 or more will receive a match of up to $15K.

African Studies Center (ASC) Join me in supporting what you love about LSA this Giving Blueday!

🌍🔋 The Geopolitics of Critical Minerals: Balancing Security, Sustainability & Growth 🔋🌍

Join the Weiser Diplomacy Center for a compelling conversation featuring Boubacar Bocoum and Ambassador Susan D. Page on the global race for critical minerals!

As demand for these essential resources soars, nations must navigate complex challenges—securing supply chains, ensuring responsible mining, and balancing economic growth with sustainability. From Ukraine to Chile to the DRC, critical minerals are shaping international relations and economic strategies like never before.

Moderated by Ambassador Susan D. Page, this discussion will offer insights into the future of critical minerals and their impact on global power dynamics. Don’t miss it!

📅 Date: March 20th, 2025 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM EST
📍 Location: Weill Hall (Ford School) - Betty Ford Classroom (Room 1110)
🔗 Learn more: https://events.umich.edu/event/133623

📽️ Join ASC for a Powerful Film Screening! 📽️

Join us on February 24 for a special screening of America Street, a thought-provoking documentary by producer and director Idrissou Mora-Kpai.

🎬 America Street tells the story of Joe, a dedicated corner shop owner in Charleston, as he struggles against the forces of gentrification reshaping his community. Through his resilience and determination, the film highlights the real-life challenges of displacement and the fight to preserve neighborhood identity.

Following the screening, stay for an engaging **Q&A session with Idrissou Mora-Kpai**, where you’ll have the chance to dive deeper into the film’s themes and storytelling process.

📅 Date: February 24
📍 Location: State Theater
⏰ Time: 5:00 - 8:00 PM

Don't miss this opportunity to witness a powerful story and join the conversation on community, resilience, and change. Tag a friend and spread the word!