Department of African Studies at Howard University

CFP: AI and Transformation in Global Africa
Join us for the 2027 Howard University African Studies International Conference, hosted by the Howard University Department of African Studies in partnership with the University of the Free State School of Law.

February 12–13, 2027
Howard University | Washington, DC
Hybrid: In-person and virtual participation available

This year’s theme, “AI and Transformation in Global Africa,” invites critical conversations on how artificial intelligence is reshaping African societies and African diasporic communities.
We welcome proposals from scholars, students, policymakers, practitioners, activists, and community organizations.

Submission types: Individual papers, pre-formed panels, and roundtables
Submissions portal: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf6vABopGAdHgZe92Shr-0Fap-f8Z3Naa1Xep_7Oh480mThUQ/viewform?usp=send_form

Registration: 2027HUAFSTConference.eventbrite.com
Fees: $50 in-person | $25 online | Free for students
Questions? Contact Dr. Mohamed Camara at [email protected].

This recent article, “‘…No Man’s Land…’: Eno Barony’s navigation of Ghana’s male-dominated rap scene,” published in Global Hip Hop Studies, showcases the dynamic scholarship emerging from graduate students in Howard University’s Department of African Studies. In the study, Yaw M. Asare and Amartey Laryea analyze how Ghanaian rapper Eno Barony uses her music to challenge gender norms and assert her place in a male-dominated industry, drawing on themes of identity, power, and representation .

Authored by doctoral scholars with interdisciplinary research interests spanning cultural studies, governance, and hip hop studies, the article highlights how contemporary African artists engage history, culture, and gender to reshape creative spaces.

Read article here:https://cfas.howard.edu/sites/cfas.howard.edu/files/2026-03/EnoBarony_by_YawAsare-and-AmarteyLaryea.pdf

Congratulations to Dr. Plummer on the amazing work she is doing as Executive Director of Howard’s Center for Women, Gender, and Global Leadership 👏🏾

Women’s History Month: Meet the Executive Director of Howard’s Center for Women, Gender, and Global Leadership Dr. Anita Plummer is the newest executive director of Howard's Center for Women, Gender, and Global Leadership and is continuing the center’s commitment to developing the next generation of Black women and Black feminist conscience leaders.