05/14/2026
What a week it has been. On Saturday, May 9, the Center for African Studies held its Re-imagining the Future of African Studies in Global Contexts Workshop, part of PittGlobal at the University of Pittsburgh's The Future(s) of International and Area Studies conference (May 8-10). Scholars and practitioners gathered in person and virtually to chart a path forward for African Studies amid shifting geopolitical, intellectual, and technological landscapes.
The conversation made one thing clear: this field is not only enduring, it is evolving. Despite ongoing funding challenges, the work of engaging deeply with Africa's history, cultures, and people will continue, through student hubs, cross-disciplinary partnerships, and new forms of community.
A heartfelt thank you to facilitator and CAS Director Assan Sarr, to panelists Alix Saba (African Studies Association), Elizabeth Schmidt (Loyola University Maryland, ASA Past President 2024-2025), Ousman Kobo (Ohio State), and Glenn Adams (University of Kansas), and to the conference committee, all attendees, volunteers, and sponsors for making the event a success. We look forward to putting these conversations into action.
