AFRICAN STUDIES
1961
YEARS 2021
2021-22 NEWSLETTER Indiana University | African Studies Program
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60th Anniversary Issue Promoting greater understanding and appreciation of the African continent and its global diasporas through diverse research, teaching and outreach activities for 60 years. 1
Director’s Welcome
5
New Voices in African Studies
8
ASP at 60
15
Student Features
21
Student Awards
23 Program News 39 Events 46 Outreach 54 ASP Reading List
African Studies Associate Instructors, faculty, and staff
Director’s Welcome Beth Buggenhagen Greetings students and global alumni, Faculty, Faculty Emeriti, and
Lecturer, IU Language
friends. In 2021 the African Studies Program at Indiana University
Workshop and
celebrates its 60th anniversary from 1961-2021 as a program dedicated
Program Manager, IU
to promoting the greater understanding of Africa and its dynamic,
Language Workshop,
global diasporas. We have had a long tradition of excellence in the study
Dr. Christina Collins,
As a globally recognized, profoundly multidisciplinary program at Indiana University, we will continue to build our international partnerships and exchanges.
of African languages and research
Assistant Professor
expertise related to the continent and
of Anthropology, and Dr. Kazeem
its diasporas. Now more than ever,
Sanuth, Associate Director, National
our research, teaching, and outreach
African Languages Resource Center,
are vital to the world in which we find
among others. The journal, Africa Today,
ourselves.
published by IU Press welcomes a new Editorial Assistant, Asher Lubotzky, a
As I write this I am pleased to
Ph.D. candidate in History and a recent
reflect on the number of students
Ph.D. in Political Science, Kevin Taber, as
and faculty researching abroad
a Book Review Editor.
this summer with prestigious grant and fellowship support despite a prolonged period of upheaval, which continues to unfold in unpredictable
It is with great sadness that we share
ways with unprecedented consequences for our global connections. I am
the news of those who have passed.
also delighted to welcome new graduate students and new colleagues
We mourn the passing of Dr. Patrick
to African Studies including Dr. Nana Amoah-Ramey, Lecturer, African
O’Meara. Many of you have fond
American and African Diaspora Studies and Lecturer, Akan Language and
memories of his life and works in front
West African cultures, African Studies Program, Dr. Joseph Bradshaw,
of and behind the scenes for African Indiana University | African Studies Program
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Looking forward, we also continue to invest in long-term collaborations with other Title VI Africa National Resource Centers (NRCs) focused on nationwide outreach initiatives, including teacher trainings in the U.S. and on the continent. ASP also collaborates with, and supports, the consortia work of the Africana Librarians Group, and the African Studies Association’s Outreach Council. ASP maintains active institutional memberships with the Association African Studies Associate Instructors and graduate assistants
of African Studies Programs; African Language Materials Archive (ALMA); West African Research Association (WARA); and
Studies. No single note can capture the extent of his reach and the
the African Studies Association.
myriad ways in which he lightened our loads with his calm reassurance and wit. Dr. O’Meara served as Director of African Studies for two
I am pleased to share exciting events to
decades beginning in 1972, just twelve years after he came to IU for his
look forward to in the African Studies
doctorate in Political Science. Even after he stepped down, he stewarded
Program. On October 6th we will hold our
the program with great care. We plan to honor his life and works in the
annual welcome reception at the Wells
coming academic year. We also mourn the passing of Mpolo Lesetla, a
Library where we will have the opportunity
beloved Associate Instructor who taught isiZulu for many years as she
to visit an exhibition in the Archives
pursued her second MA degree in the Hamilton Lugar School of Global
Research Room curated by African
and International Studies. Both will be greatly missed.
Studies Collections’ Librarian, Mireille Djenno, with Indiana University Archives
Throughout the 2021-2022 academic year, African Studies will have
commemorating 60 years of excellence
special programming and guests, invite back alumni, reflect on our
in research and collections at IU related
history, and look toward the future. As a globally recognized, profoundly
to the African continent. The exhibit will
multidisciplinary program at Indiana
be on view from September to December
University we will continue to build
2021. We will host a virtual gathering
our international partnerships and
and a performance for our alumni at the
exchanges which include Cairo
African Studies Association to honor and
University (Egypt); University of
celebrate the life of Dr. Patrick O’Meara.
Looking forward, we also continue to invest in long-term collaborations with other Title VI Africa National Resource Centers (NRCs) focused on nationwide outreach initiatives.
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Ghana at Legon; University of Cape Coast (Ghana); Kwame Nkrumah
In Spring 2022 our graduate colloquium
University of Science and Technology
led by Dr. Solimar Otero, will feature
(Ghana); the University of Pretoria
Dr. Toyin Falola, the Jacob and Frances
(South Africa); the University of Cape
Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities
Town (South Africa); the University of Western Cape (South Africa);
at the University of Texas at Austin and Dr.
the University of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania); the University Cheikh Anta
J. Lorand Matory, Lawrence Richardson
Diop’s School of Education (Senegal); the University of Rwanda; Moi
Distinguished Professor of Cultural
University (Kenya); and, the Institute of African Studies at the University
Anthropology, Duke University. Later
of Bayreuth (Germany).
in the semester the seminar will host
Hamilton Lugar School of Global & International Studies
On April 6th, African Studies will hold our annual Spring celebration during which we will announce student awards and feature a performance celebrating 60 years of the African Studies Program at Indiana University.
Dr. Aisha Beliso-De Jesus, Professor of American Studies, Princeton
the legacy of Dr. Roy Sieber, Dr. J. Gus
University and Dr. Françoise Lionnet, Research Professor of Romance
Liebenow, and Dr. Patrick O’Meara and
Languages and Literatures, Comparative Literature, Women, Gender
their students among other events.
and Sexuality Studies, and African and African American Studies, Harvard University. On April 6th, African Studies will hold our annual
Very Best,
Spring celebration during which we will announce student awards and feature a performance celebrating 60 years of the African Studies Program at Indiana University. Additional plans are in the works to honor
Beth Buggenhagen
New Voices in African Studies Nana A. Amoah-Ramey Lecturer, African American and African Diaspora Studies Lecturer, Akan Language and West African cultures, African Studies Program Assistant Coordinator, African Languages Program Regional Expertise: Ghana; West Africa
MAURITANIA MALI
THE GAMBIA
NIGER CHAD
SENEGAL
GUINEABISSAU
BURKINA FASO
GUINEA IVORY COAST
SIERRA LEONE
NIGERIA GHANA
LIBERIA
BENIN
Nana Abena Amoah-Ramey, Ph.D., is a Lecturer at the IU Department of African American
CAMEROON TOGO EQUITORIAL GUINEA
& African Diaspora Studies and the African Studies Program. She currently serves as Coordinator of Student Services for the Hutton Honors College’s Culture and Health Study Abroad Program, from which IU sends Study Abroad students to Ghana every other year. She also serves as a Commissioner on Bloomington’s Commission on Women’s Status. In 2016, Dr. Amoah-Ramey earned her Ph.D. degree from the flagship Bloomington campus of Indiana University in African American & African Diaspora Studies (AAADS) with a minor in African Studies and a focus in Ethnomusicology. Her undergraduate and M. Phil degrees in Ethnomusicology are from Ghana’s premier university, the University of Ghana. In addition, she received part of her graduate education from Hanover’s Music and Theater University in Germany. Dr. Amoah-Ramey’s research interests lie in African American & African Diaspora Literature and African Popular Music and Cultures, Gender Roles and Representations, Diversity & Internationalization Innovative Teaching Pedagogies.
Indiana University | African Studies Program
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Dr. Amoah-Ramey’s first book, titled Female Highlife Performers in
Dr. Amoah-Ramey, popularly known as
Ghana: Expression, Resistance, and Advocacy, is published by Lexington
Nana, is a recipient of the “Living Legend
Books. It is an expert account of the history and innovative challenges
Award” of the Tau Chapter of Alpha Kappa
and progress, which have led to increased contributions of female
Alpha (AKA) Sorority Incorporated, a fellow
performers in Ghana’s Highlife musical tradition. She is also the author
of the Transformative Learning Collegium
of several review essays in refereed Journals, including a recently
at the Center for Teaching and Learning
published article titled “Biographies of two African American Women
Services, and a Study Abroad Award
in Religious Music: Clara Ward and Rosetta Tharpe.” Her current
recipient of the Hutton Honors College for
research and publishable projects are based on a comparative study of
Faculty training for Study Abroad training
the similarities, continuities, and differences between popular female
funded by the U. S. Department of State’s
musicians in Africa, the American black diaspora, and selected geo-
Capacity Building Program, all received in
cultural international locations.
2019 from Indiana University.
Joseph Bradshaw Director of Defense and Strategic Initiatives Language Workshop, HLS
MAURITANIA
Regional Expertise: Senegal; Mali
MALI
Dr. Bradshaw holds a Ph.D. in African History. His research
SENEGAL
THE GAMBIA
and teaching interests are in African political history of 19th
GUINEABISSAU
and 20th C.; Muslim West Africa; Western Sahel; Futanke; identity formation, political alliance, and warfare from the precolonial period to the moment of colonial conquest;
BURKINA FASO
GUINEA
IVORY COAST
SIERRA LEONE
African intermediaries in colonial period; Arabic sources of history written by African writers.
GHANA
LIBERIA
Teaching areas: Military Engagement and Global Power Competition in Africa; Islam in Africa; Identity in African History; Precolonial African History; The Atlantic Slave Trade.
Christina Collins Assistant Professor, Anthropology
MAURITANIA
Research + Teaching Interests: SENEGAL THE GAMBIA Anthropology and business; industry GUINEAGUINEA BISSAU and industrialization in emerging SIERRA LEONE markets; national economy; alcohol LIBERIA production, distribution, and consumption; science and technology studies; anthropology of development
MALI
NIGER
ERITREA
SUDAN
CHAD
DJIBOUTI
BURKINA FASO IVORY COAST
NIGERIA GHANA TOGO
CAMEROON
ETHIOPIA
SOUTH SUDAN
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
BENIN EQUATORIAL GUINEA GABON
CONGO
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
Regional Expertise: Ethiopia; Sub-Sahara Africa
UGANDA
KENYA RWANDA
BURUNDI
TANZANIA
Christina T. Collins is a cultural anthropologist whose ethnographic research examines the social, cultural, and economic impact of multinational alcohol companies in Ethiopia. Up
MALAWI
ANGOLA
privatizations have opened up the local market to international competition. With a focus on beer andLugar brewing, fieldwork exploresStudies the socio-cultural effects of private investments Hamilton Schoolher of Global & International
ZIMBABWE
NAMIBIA
BOTSWANA
within labor and service economies (e.g., brewing, malt barley production, draft cleaning services, alcohol distribution, food and beverage services, advertising/marketing, and entertainment/nightlife). Her research shows that market activities (i.e., the production, distribution, sale, and consumption of commercial lagers in Ethiopia) are not merely economic in nature but saturated with symbolic, affective, religious, ethnic, and political meanings.
MOZAMBIQUE
ZAMBIA
until the early 2010s, the alcohol industry in Ethiopia was primarily state-owned, but recent 6
SOMALIA
SWAZILAND
SOUTH AFRICA
LESOTHO
Kazeem Kéhìndé Sanuth Associate Director, National African Languages Resource Center Adjunct Lecturer, African Studies Program Regional Expertise: Nigeria
MAURITANIA MALI
Kazeem Kéhìndé Sanuth holds a Ph.D. in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) with a combined
THE GAMBIA
minor in the pedagogy of Less Commonly Taught Languages from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He also has an M.A. in African Languages and Literature from the same university. His research explores the social, cultural, and linguistic implications
NIGER CHAD
SENEGAL
GUINEABISSAU
BURKINA FASO
GUINEA IVORY COAST
SIERRA LEONE LIBERIA
NIGERIA GHANA BENIN
CAMEROON TOGO
of language study abroad in a multilingual West African setting.
EQUITORIAL GUINEA
Dr. Sanuth has been involved in language education and internationalization as a classroom instructor, a coordinator,
Kazeem’s mission is to further raise the
and an administrator of language education programs. Before
profile of the NALRC, to enhance supports
transitioning to NALRC, he served as the International Education
for scholarship and practice in the field
Outreach Administrator with the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and
of African language pedagogy, and to
International Studies (HLS), Indiana University-Bloomington.
broaden access to the center’s resources.
Asher Lubotzky Africa Today Editorial Assistant Asher Lubotzky is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of History at Indiana University. His Ph.D. dissertation explores the early relationship between the State of Israel and Southern Africa (1948-1976) as well as different South African interpretations of Zionism. Asher is the recipient of the Gerda Henkel Ph.D. Scholarship for 2021-2023.
Kevin Taber Africa Today Book Review Editor Kevin Taber recently earned his Ph.D. in political science from Indiana University and will be joining the faculty of Purdue University as a Visiting Assistant Professor for the academic year. His research focuses on contemporary African migration and diaspora communities and their impact on development, governance, and human security in their places of origin, as well as the implications these dynamics have for Global North-South relations.
Indiana University | African Studies Program
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Celebrating I
n 2021, the IU African Studies Program celebrated its 60th anniversary with a reception in Hazelbaker Hall. A welcome was given by
Director Beth Buggenhagen – a historical moment for IU’s African Studies Program as she is the first woman to lead the program as a full director. Virginia Delancy and Tavy Aherne previously led as Interim Directors.
Kotchegna Dance Company performed at the African Studies Hamilton Lugar School of Global & International Studies Program 60th 8anniversary closing celebration
60
Years
of African Studies
The performance was followed by tours of the IU Archives exhibition, In the National Interest: The Founding and
The welcome was followed by a tribute to former long-time ASP Director
Early Growth of Indiana University’s
Patrick O’Meara who passed away this year. Professor Daniel Reed
African Studies Program. The exhibition
and Associate Director Dr. Tavy Aherne — both alumni of the IU African
tour was led by African Studies
Studies doctoral program — offered their memories as former graduate
Collections Librarian, Mireille Djenno,
students under Patrick. These were followed by memories from the
who curated the special exhibition.
audience and tributes written by those who could not attend in person. A photo booth was also set up by Ph.D.
Thank you to all who could join us in celebrating this milestone, and to those who made it possible.
Attendees were treated to an outstanding
student George Armstrong, who before
performance by Ph.D. candidate Sylvester
pursuing a degree in Anthropology
Makobi and Kimberly Carballo, both of the
and African Studies at IU, was already
Jacobs Music School. Makobi’s research
an accomplished professional
interests are in songs for solo voice and piano
photographer.
by African and African diaspora composers. Carballo is an instructor and coordinating opera
Thank you to all who could join us in
coach, and member of the Tunaweza Kimuzikia
celebrating this milestone, and to
project promoting exchange among educators, scholars, and performers
those who made it possible.
in Kenya and the U.S.
Indiana University | African Studies Program
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African Studies Program faculty and staff gather for the 60th anniversary celebration. Left to right: John Hanson, Tavy Aherne, Beth Buggenhagen, Maria Grosz-Ngaté, Alwiya Omar, Marilyn Estep
Director Beth Buggenhagen welcomed guests to the African Studies Program 60th anniversary reception in Hazelbaker Hall.
ASP alumna Tyrikka Bailey
Left to right: George Armstrong, Paul Ntinda, Alwiya Omar, Ian Thomas
African Studies Ph.D. student and photographer George Armstrong set up a photo booth for guests.
African Studies Collections Librarian, Mireille Djenno, led tours of the IU Archives exhibition, In the National Interest: The Founding and Early Growth of Indiana University’s African Studies Program. Top left to right: Mireille Djenno, John Hanson, Alex O'Neil, Beidy Sow, Paul Ntinda Bottom left to right: Wayne Parkinson, Twalha Abass, Kazeem Sanuth, Matthew Ajjibade
60th Anniversary Commemorative Presentations for the Spring Contemporary African Seminar Solimar Otero
Spring 2022
Aesthetics of the Underground: Performing the Street in Africa The African Studies Program’s 60th anniversary was celebrated in
presentations
multiple ways. One was through inviting internationally known scholars
by Toyin Falola,
to IU to participate in the renowned African Studies Colloquium,
J. Lorand
Internationally known scholars visited Indiana University to participate in the renowned African Studies Graduate Seminar, previously known as the Wednesday Night Seminars.
previously known as the
Matory, and
Wednesday Night Seminars.
Aisha Beliso-De
These public lectures are always
Jesús, Beatrice
linked to the topic of the annual
Capote, and
seminar, extending and enriching
Joe Galvin were
the issues.
hosted by the
Solimar Otero
African Studies In spring semester 2022,
Program and the Department of Folklore
Professor Solimar Otero taught
and Ethnomusicology in a joint series.
the AFRI-A731 seminar under
The course and events provided exciting
the topic, “Aesthetics of the
avenues for contemplating the impact
Underground: Performing the Street in Africa.” The interdisciplinary
of Africa in the global construction of
course introduced students to how vernacular performances in Africa
history, modernity, postmodernity,
and the African Diaspora constitute a range of embodied, material, and
and futurist worlds. We thank our
linguistic forms that provide unique viewpoints into the construction of
distinguished guests and all who joined us
place and knowledge, in public and private spheres. Commemorative
for the presentations.
Toyin Falola
January 26, 2022
Jacob & Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities, Professor, History University of Texas, Austin
From Pan-Africanism to Afro-Futurism: Trajectories of African Liberationist Thought Trajectories of African Liberationist Thought This presentation explored the historical and cultural trajectory of African Liberationist thought. By connecting past pan-African coalition-building strategies to contemporary manifestations of Afro-Futurism, Falola unveiled evolving connections across time, nations, and forms of expression that situate Africa’s lasting importance in global movements. An opening poem was recited by Maria Hamilton Abegunde, Assistant Professor, African American and African Diaspora Studies, Indiana University. Falola
Abegunde
J. Lorand Matory
March 25, 2022
Lawrence Richardson Professor of Cultural Anthropology and African and African American Studies, Duke University
Slavery in the Heart of Freedom: Race, Religion, and Politics through the Lens of BDSM This lecture compared white US American BDSM, Haitian Vodou, and Trumpism as parallel, but ethically divergent, forms of nostalgia for compulsory hierarchy and solidarity in an
This lecture compares white US American BDSM, Haitian Vodou, and Trumpism as parallel, but ethically divergent, forms of nostalgia for compulsory hierarchy and solidarity.
age of compulsory competition and self-sufficiency. White US American
Matory
Galvin
Capote
BDSM and Haitian Vodou demonstrate that — even
longing for a violent Messiah who would
for the greatest beneficiaries and
resurrect an Eden free of Black and brown
the greatest potential beneficiaries of the Enlightenment’s promises
competition.
— freedom and legal equality create a yawning hunger for the opposite condition. Having arisen amid the concurrence of the Enlightenment
An opening dance and Bata performance
and the Atlantic slave trade, BDSM’s paradigm of relief — and Vodou’s
were performed by Beatrice Capote,
powerhouse — is the Black slave. Trumpism dramatizes the ambivalence
Assistant Professor of Dance, IU and
of the middle rank—that is, precarious white US Americans’ slave-
Joe Galvin, Lecturer in Music, Indiana
identified rebellion against their class superiors and their equal
University Jacobs School.
Aisha Beliso-De Jesús
January 26, 2022
Professor of American Studies, Princeton University
Blamed to Death: Excited Delirium, Police Violence, and Spirit Activism Since the 1980s, “excited delirium” syndrome has been used by medical
police violence,
examiners to diagnose the unexplained deaths of a number of people who
and spirit
suddenly die in police custody. Mostly Black and Latino men seem to die
activism in the
unexpectedly in police interactions, and in many cases these people are
state-craft
blamed for their own death. During ethnographic research on the policing
produced through
of Santeria in the United States, I came upon a case of excited delirium,
excited delirium
and a spirit who was attempting to “correct” the blame for his death.
syndrome.
Based on ethnographic research with law enforcement and Santeria religious practitioners, this talk examined issues of race, accountability,
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Hamilton Lugar School of Global & International Studies
Aisha Beliso-De Jesús
Closing Celebrations for ASP 60th
Multimedia artist Emeka Okereke presents his work at the Eskenazi Museum of Art
Visiting Artist Emeka Okereke African Studies closed the year’s celebration of its 60th anniverary with
ASP graduate
several public events as well as special events for IU students. In the fall,
students were
the renowned multimedia artist Emeka Okereke was a Visiting Artist
deeply engaged in
Emeka Okereke has exhibited in biennales and art festivals in cities across the world.
with African Studies and the Eskenazi
the presentation
Museum of Art. Emeka Okereke (b.
and the
1980) is a Nigerian photographer,
conversation that
filmmaker, writer, and visual artist who
followed as many
lives and works in Lagos and Berlin.
are beginning their
A former member of the renowned
research fieldwork and collaboration with
Nigerian photography collective Depth
African colleagues is paramount.
of Field, he holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from l’Ecole Nationale supérieure des Beaux Arts de Paris and has exhibited in biennales and art
The 60th anniversary celebrations closed
festivals in cities across the world, notably Lagos, Bamako, Cape Town,
with a public lecture by Okereke at the
London, Berlin, Beirut, Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Brussels, Johannesburg,
Martin Commons in the Eskenazi Museum
New York, Washington, Barcelona, Seville, Madrid, and Paris. Okereke
of Art, attended by more than 75 audience
is the cofounder of the Invisible Borders Trans-African Photographers
members. The lecture was part of the
Organization and the founder and host of Nkata Podcast Station as well
Visiting Artist Eskenazi Musuem series,
as the Director of Kupesonic Sound Project. In 2018, he received the
a student-hosted series. Okereke was
Chevalier des Arts et Lettres from the government of France.
introduced by doctoral students Rachel Kabukala and Alexandria Nickolaou;
Okereke shared his creative practices through a multi-day Masterclass
Kabukala also fasciliated a discussion with
workshop for students in the Eskenazi School of Art and African Studies.
the audience post-presentation. Okereke
He was also a guest lecturer for Dr. Buggenhagen’s seminar on Global
discussed his artistic practices, his work, and
Africa. Additionally, he was one of our colloquium speakers for the year,
that of artists with whom he collaborates on
sharing how he works collaboratively with fellow artists and scholars.
projects such as Invisible Borders.
Indiana University | African Studies Program
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Kotchegna Dance Company The closing day events began with an outstanding performance by Vado Diomande and members of the Kotchegna Dance Company. Based in New York, this exciting troupe features dancers, mask spirit performers and drummers from Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) under the direction of master dancer and choreographer Vado Diomande. This public event was supported by the IU African Studies Program in celebration of its 60th anniversary and would not
African Studies closed its 60 — and closed down the museum that evening — with a festive reception for all attendees, faculty and students. Thank you for being a part of our celebrations over the past year. th
have been possible without the efforts of Professor Emeritus Daniel Reed. Dr. Reed, an ethnomusicologist, assisted in bringing Vado Diamande and dance company to Bloomington. The performance concluded with a masquerade procession to the Eskenazi Art Museum for the public lecture by international known Nigerian multimedia artist Emeka Okereke.
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Hamilton Lugar School of Global & International Studies
Undergraduate Student Features Why African Studies?
Alumni Update
A conversation with sophomore Kevin Mantell
A conversation with recent alum Sydney Pleak
Kevin Mantell is a sophomore at IU, taking courses in International Studies and African Studies in the IU Hamilton Lugar School for Global
Sydney Pleak
and International Studies (HLS). Unlike most students who discover
graduated from
their interest while taking courses, Kevin knew he wanted to do a minor
the O’Neil School
in African Studies when he arrived at
with a BS in Public
IU as a freshman. So we asked him,
Affairs and a Minor
why African Studies?
in African Languages
I felt that many of the cultures, innovations, and knowledge within the continent go ignored, especially among US policymakers
(Zulu concentration) I decided to go into African Studies
from African Studies.
mainly because I felt that many of the cultures, innovations, and knowledge
Sydney said:
within the continent go ignored,
During my time at IU, I worked closely
especially among U.S. policymakers.
with African Studies – especially Dr.
From much of what I've seen, [Africa] is also incredibly beautiful. I can't
Aherne – as an undergraduate outreach
wait to visit soon.
ambassador. I studied isiZulu all four years with Dr. Dlamini and was a FLAS
What classes have you taken thus far, and
Fellow for three of the four. I loved my time
why do you enjoy them?
with the program and cannot imagine
So far I've taken Introduction to African Studies
where I would be without my wonderful
with Dr. Aherne as well as Contemporary Africa
experiences.
with doctoral student Emily Stratton. What I've most enjoyed about these classes is that they
Currently, I am navigating the post-
have helped me deconstruct preconceived
graduation world of figuring out
notions I once had about Africa while opening my
how to merge my areas of study. My
eyes to the continent's social, political, and economic realities.
biggest interest involves how different geographical locations around the world
How else are you engaged here at IU?
utilize insect protein. Thus, I am currently
I'm involved in Model UN [representing Mali and South Africa] and the HLS
applying for a forest entomology field
Student Ambassadors. Although I currently take French as my language,
technician position in southern Georgia. I
I am looking to possibly take Akan in the future since I plan on studying
am incredibly thankful to have developed
abroad in Ghana next spring.
a cultural perspective through African Studies to enrich my future endeavors.
How do you think you'll use the knowledge you are gaining in what you want to do after graduation? My dream is to one day become a diplomat, so I'm hoping that by better understanding African societies, interests, and challenges, I'll be more equipped to do my small part in advancing the many partnerships between the U.S. and Africa.
Indiana University | African Studies Program
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Weaving Identities: African Diasporic Arts of the Americas. Pictured above: African Studies Master's student, Paul Ntinde
Graduate Student Features Congratulations to Dr. Victor Alabi
Weaving Identities: African Diasporic Arts of the Americas Graduate student co-curates exhibition at McCalla School Gallery In early 2021, the newly renovated McCalla School galleries hosted an innovative exhibition co-curated by graduate student Alexandra Nickolaou, Weaving Identities: African Diasporic Arts of the Americas. Nickolaou is a doctoral student in the
Victor Alabi with Alwiya Omar
Department of Art History under the
African Studies wishes to congratulate Victor Alabi on receiving his Degree
(Associate Professor, Tanner-Opperman
of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Linguistics in May this year. His
Chair of African Art History in Honor of Roy
dissertation was titled: Discursive Constructions of Selected Yorùbá Speech
Sieber), who co-curated the exhibition with
Acts: Apologies, Refusals, and Sympathies. Victor’s research specializations
Nickolaou.
advisement of Dr. Bárbaro Martinez-Ruiz
are in sociolinguistics, and pragmatics and semiotics for African Languages. Victor taught all levels of Yoruba for the African Studies Program throughout
Working with Dr. Martinez-Ruiz, the
his IU career, receiving outstanding reviews for his teaching. He led the African
exhibition focused on large woven
Languages and Cultures Club, organizing the African Studies Program Language
tapestries of contemporary artists Faisal
Festivals for years. Among his accolades, Victor was the recipient of multiple
Abdu-Allah (b. 1969), Jose Bedia (b. 1959),
College Travel Awards for the presentation of academic papers, the African
and Carlos Luna (b. 1969). The three artists
Student Research Award, ASP pedagogical awards, and was a Fulbright Language
created original works for this exhibit,
& Teaching Assistant. Dr. Alabi has accepted a position at Brown University in
translating their works from other media
Rhode Island.
into these large-scale tapestries.
Faisal Abdu-Allah is Professor of Printmaking and the Chazen Family Distinguished Chair in Art at the University of Wisconsin Madison. In his work, he addresses contemporary art in relation to Afro-British culture, and issues of race and identity in relation to issues of cultural diversity and multiculturalism. Jose Bedia is a Cuban artist who draws from his anthropological studies of Kongo religion and his interest in
Alexandra Nickolaou
African roots of American culture. Bedia’s work has been exhibited internationally, including in the Biennales in La Habana, Sao Paulo, Venice, and Beijing. Carlos Luna is a Latin American multi-media artist. His work draws on his cultural background and on “how memories and imagination affect temporal perception.”
Nickolaou’s research interests complemented the exhibition’s focus: highlighting cross-cultural interactions in contemporary West African art. Nickolaou’s research interests complemented the exhibition’s focus: highlighting cross-cultural interactions in contemporary West African art. This includes issues of materiality, neocolonialism, Othering, the globalization of “modernism” and “modernity,” the African Diaspora, and the interplay of technology and art.
World War II, Humanitarianism, and the French National Relief in Senegal
During this year’s ASP Colloquia, Rolfsen discussed a chapter of her
A presentation by Avenel Rolfson at ASP Colloquium
dissertation research
Avenel Rolfsen is a Ph.D. candidate in African History with a Ph.D.
during World War II in
minor in Gender Studies. She holds a bachelor’s degree in History
Senegal. She shows
from Westminster College of Salt Lake City, Utah, where she
how many Senegalese
graduated magna cum laude with honors. She also received her
made significant
master’s degree from Indiana University-Bloomington in 2018.
philanthropic contributions, both willingly
on humanitarian aid
Avenel Rolfsen
and unwillingly, to the French during Avenel is broadly interested in social, cultural, and Islamic
World War II. Indeed, people contributed
history. Her dissertation research examines the history of charity,
everything from small monetary amounts
humanitarianism and giving in Senegal from the late nineteenth
to food stuffs, to musical instruments
century until 1980. Using a variety of archival documents and
for soldiers. In doing so, she shows how
oral history interviews, her research focuses on the philanthropic
contrary to the normative narrative of
practices of the French colonial State and Muslim Wolof communities
humanitarian history, humanitarian aid
in Senegal. In addition to studying French and Arabic, Avenel has held
actually flowed from Senegal to France.
multiple Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships to study Wolof and Sereer, languages indigenous to Senegal. Her research has also been supported by a Fulbright-Hays Fellowship.
Indiana University | African Studies Program
17
Building Bridges through Language Three ASP students win community award for volunteer work
Twalha Abbass
George Armstrong Paul Ntinda
Congratulations to our IU Bridges: Children, Languages, World volunteers for Swahili! Student volunteers in the Bridges: Children, Languages, World program organize fun and engaging activities to teach local K-6 children in Monroe County schools less commonly taught languages. African Studies students, Twalha Abbass, Paul Ntinda, and George Armstrong, taught Swahili at the Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington and were recognized with the Volunteer Group of the Year award! We are incredibly lucky to have such wonderful students willing to dedicate their time on a weekly basis to share their knowledge with others.
Graduate Students in African Studies This year, we wish to highlight board members of the African Studies graduate student organization dedicated to promoting graduate student dialogue and professional experiences with students, faculty, and scholars external to IU: Graduate Students in African Studies (GSAS). The African Studies Program associate director, Tavy Aherne, has served as their advisor for several years. Since the onset of the pandemic, this student organization has responded and shifted to broaden their activities from an annual graduate symposium to hosting a repertoire of events as well as social engagements for all IU students with an interest in African Studies. Additionally, they have volunteered their time, offering for example, Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) application workshops for first-time applicants and all undergraduates, and were a source of information for their peers during the graduate student campus strike.
18
Hamilton Lugar School of Global & International Studies
Emily Stratton Emily Stratton has served as a peer mentor this year for GSAS. Stratton is a dissertating Ph.D. candidate in Religious Studies and has a Ph.D. Minor in African Studies. Her ethnographic project, “Making It: Young Men, Livelihoods, and Religious Form in Urban Ghana,” was carried out over several years in Accra’s rapidly expanding western suburbs. Along the way, she has been developing a few side projects related to urban visual and popular culture in Ghana and has had her
photographs of Accra featured in Africa Today, Theologies of American Exceptionalism, and two personally curated online exhibitions through
Sylvester Makobi
IU’s Center for Religion & the Human. Her favorite thing, however, is
Sylvester Makobi is a
working with undergraduates. She has been teaching the African Studies
Kenyan student pursuing
Program’s Contemporary Africa course throughout the 2020-2021 and
a Doctor of Music
2021-2022 academic years and is constantly delighted to see students
degree, majoring in voice
finish their semesters having more sophisticated understandings of
performance under the
Africa than she ever did at their age, and thinking critically about issues
tutalage of Professor
in knowledge production representation, and source analysis.
Mariette Simpson in the IU Jacobs School of Music. His minors are in Music History, Ethnomusicology and Arts Administration.
Fabiyi (Segun) Oluwasegun Fabiyi (Segun) Oluwasegun is pursuing a master's in African Studies, and serves as the President of GSAS. His interests are in African politics, international development, governance, semantics, and socio-political discourse analysis. He earned a BA degree in English from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria where he researched “Euphemism and Dysphemism in the Language of Nnamdi Kanu: A Decolonial Discourse Perspective on Biafra Secession in Nigeria.” He taught Cambridge A-Levels examinations like TOEFL, IELTS, GRE and PTE. In 2020, he was a Fulbright Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where he taught Yoruba. He is currently a grader for the African Studies Program and researcher assisting Mireille Djenno in the African Studies Collection at the IU Wells Library. His current project explores the analysis of youth politics and the #EndSARS movement in Nigeria.
Makobi’s research interests in song for solo voice and piano by African and African diaspora composers. Makobi has been active in various capacities including teaching Kiswahili, serving as the secretary of GSAS, serving previously as the GSAS representative to the African Studies Executive Committee, and performing at numerous events — most recently the ASP’s 60th anniversary celebration. In 2020, Makobi won in three solo categories for university students and professors at the Kenya Music Festival. His performances have allowed him to traverse four continents. Makobi’s repertoire includes five concert performances with orchestra as tenor soloist and seven opera roles, most recently the role of “Nate” in the historic performance of William Grant Still’s Highway 1 USA with IU Opera. Makobi has been involved in
Rachel Kabukala
the recording of five albums, where he is featured soloist, and on some of them plays different
Rachel Kabukala is a Ph.D. student in Art
Kenyan instruments (namely the Ohangla drums,
History and African Studies. She is currently the
Chivoti, Nyatiti and Kigamba.) His latest recording
GSAS representative on the IU African Studies
is with Bloomingscapes, on the album Building
Executive Committee, and previously served
Blocks.
on the Board of the Arts Council of the African Studies Association (ACASA). A former FLAS
Makobi has continued to serve various
recipient and Lingala language learner, Rachel’s
communities both at home in Nairobi and in
research interests center around Kuba art and artists in the Democratic
Bloomington, Indiana. He was the 2019 recipient of
Republic of the Congo. She is especially interested in Kuba textiles,
the African Studies Carleton T. Hodge Prize, which
the evolution of their designs, and the agency and creative freedom
is awarded by the African Studies Program to a
of the Kuba women who make the cloths. Outside of her academic
graduate student who has shown commitment and
pursuits, Rachel can be found spending cherished time with her family,
excellence in African Studies, in outreach and in
cultivating her garden, and volunteering as a commissioner on the
other activities directed to the wider public.
Bloomington Arts Council. Indiana University | African Studies Program
19
Jaycee Chapman Jaycee Chapman is currently pursuing a dual master's in Library Science and in African Studies. She completed her BA in Anthropology at Indiana University, where she
Meet our 2021-2022 Fulbright Language Teaching Assistant
had the opportunity to travel to Tanzania for
Paul Ntinda
an archeological filed school at Olduvai, led by
Paul Ntinda is our
African Studies Affiliate Faculty Jackson Njau. In
2021-2022 Fulbright
2019 she served as Assistant Project Director to the Simliki Chimpanzee
Language and Teaching
Project in Uganda. Her research interests center around information
Assistant (FLTA)
activism and the misrepresentation of African knowledge as a result of
teaching Kiswahili
Eurocentric archival theory and cataloguing practices. She is currently
at IU-Bloomington.
a recipient of the Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship for
Before joining IU,
Kiswahili. Further, Jaycee serves as the Treasurer for GSAS.
Paul spent eight years teaching English as a Second Language (“L2”) to secondary
Alexandra Nickolaou Alexandra Nickolaou is pursuing her doctorate in Art History and African Studies. Her research interests highlight cross-cultural interactions in contemporary African art. She received her M.A. from the University of Chicago, where she wrote her thesis on addressing how museums and art history have approached African art history, from studying, displaying, and collecting. She has worked in the curatorial departments at the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Smart Museum of Art in Chicago, where she assisted with several exhibitions, including The Allure of Matter: Material Art from China (Smart Museum of Art, 2020), Down Time: On the Art of Retreat (Smart Museum of Art, 2019) and Ruben & Isabel Toledo: Labor of Love (Detroit Institute of Arts, 2018). Most recently, Alexandra co-curated Weaving Identities: African Diasporic Arts of the Americas (McCalla School, IU, 2022) with Dr. Martinez-Ruiz [see p. 16.] She serves as the Secretary of GSAS.
students, and Kiswahili as a foreign language to visitors to Tanzania. From 2014 to 2021, Paul worked with Ilala City Municipality as a Literature and L2 teacher at one of the city’s secondary schools (Kisungu Secondary School). Additionally, he has been a Kiswahli instructor to foreigners under the Kiswahili na Utamaduni LTD (KIU) program. Paul became a Certified Swahili Language Instructor by Tanzania’s National Language Council in 2019. Besides teaching Swahili language and culture, Paul has been involved in other activities such as project management with a start-up tech company called Black Science Technologies based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where he designed, planned, and
Caitlin Wischmeyer
managed software and power production
Caitlin Wischmeyer is an MA student in the
projects with individuals and local companies
Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International
in Tanzania and the US.
projects. He has also done translation
Studies at IU. Her research looks at possible connections between the historical persecution
We are thrilled to have Paul with is, sharing
of the Bantu ethnic group and the harsher
his expertise and experience. In addition
treatment Bantu women receive in Al-Shabab
to his teaching, Paul is one of several
controlled territory. She received her BA from Indiana University, with a
individuals who have been giving of their
regional concentration in Eats Africa and a thematic concentration in global
time as a volunteer for the Bridges: Children,
development. During the summer of 2021, she interned with the Bureau of
Languages, World early language outreach
East African Public Affairs. Wischmeyer has also volunteered her time for
program. As well, he has audited courses at
the Bridges early language outreach program for Swahli.
IU, and is applying for the Masters in African Studies at IU for the 2022 admission year.
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Hamilton Lugar School of Global & International Studies
Asante sana, Paul!
Welcome to our new MA Students in African Studies!
George Armstrong
Ian Thomas
Jaycee Chapman
Fabiyi (“Segun”) Oluwasegun
Twalha Twaha Abbass
African Studies Student Awards Emily Stratton Recipient of the Carlton T. Hodge Prize
Carlton T. Hodge Prize
Congratulations to Emily Stratton, our 2022
for outstanding commitment to African Studies
Carlton T. Hodge Prize awardee in African Studies! Emily Stratton is a Ph.D. candidate in the Religious Studies Department. She joined Indiana University in 2013 after receiving an MA with honors in Religious Studies and Certificate in African Studies from the University of Kansas as well as a BA in Religion from Pacific Lutheran University. Supported by a Fulbright-Hays DDRA Award and a research affiliation in the Department of Sociology at the University of Ghana, Emily conducted extended ethnographic research in Accra, Ghana throughout the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 academic years. She continued to reside in Accra while writing her dissertation,
The Carleton T. Hodge Prize was established by the African Studies Program with funding support from Faculty Emeritus Carlton T. Hodge’s estate to recognize annually one of our advanced Ph.D. students for their commitment to excellence in African Studies. Those eligible for the award are Indiana University students in any discipline, who are advanced in the Ph.D. program, have a concentration on topics relating to Africa, and are actively engaged in African Studies Program activities including Outreach.
"Popular Pieties: Young Men, Digital Media, and Religious Form in Urban Ghana" until the COVID-19 pandemic hit in spring of 2020. She has presented her work both internationally and nationally.
Africa (AFRI-A232) course which is required for African Studies undergraduate degree seekers. She
The Hodge Prize is given annually to an outstanding graduate student
has consistently received the highest ratings from
who has not only excelled academically but dedicated themselves
students, and her course was continually waitlisted
to sharing African languages and cultures through outreach into
because of her popularity as an instructor.
schools, at IU and the broader community. They are also resources for their fellow graduate students. Emily is a past-president of GSAS, the
Throughout her time at IU, Emily attended
graduate student organization for African Studies, and assisted GSAS
workshops and trainings to make sure her teaching
this year after the disruptions of the pandemic. She has also contributed
was of the highest caliber. Her students greatly
throughout her tenure at IU to African Studies Outreach initiatives,
benefited from that commitment to pedagogical
including helping to launch the trainings for pre-service teachers for
training. We congratulate Emily and offer our
the new Ghana program of the IU Global Gateway for Teachers through
sincere thanks for her deep engagement with
the School of Education. Since 2020, she has taught the Contemporary
African Studies. Indiana University | African Studies Program
21
ASP Language Pedagogy Awards Sponsored by the African Studies Program in support of excellance in language pedagogy, including support of conference presentations
Class of 2022 Recognition
and professional development
Rachel Kern (African Languages Minor; International Studies) Massa Massaley (African Studies Minor; International Studies) Shayla Tate (African Languages Minor; Psychology) Daniel Theus (African Languages Minor; International Studies) Anna Widell (African Languages Minor; Individualized Major – Forensic Pschology, Behaivioral Analysis & Body Language)
Baraka Mbise
Matthew Ajibade Twalha Abass
Certificate Student Honorees Awarded to undergraduates in recognition of academic excellance in African languages and/or African Studies area coursework Pilo Diaz, for excellance in African Languages (isiZulu) Esther Egunyomi, for excellance in African Languages (Yoruba) Rachel Kern, for excellance in African Studies coursework and African Languages (Akan-Twi) Kevin Mantell, for excellence in African Studies coursework Sydney Miller, for excellence in African Studies coursework Aaron Schall, for excellance in African Languages (Kiswahili)
Shayla Tate
African Languages Minor
African Studies Senior of the Year In recognition of excellence in the pursuit of a degree in African Studies and engagement in African Studies activities
Shayla Tate, for excellance in African Languages (Akan-Twi) Bridget Taylor, for excellance in African Languages (Bamana)
Congratulations to our African
Daniel Theus, for excellance in African Languages (Kiswahili)
Studies Outstanding Senior of
Adam Valentini, for excellence in African Studies coursework
the Year, Shayla Tate! Among
Danielle Dingman, for excellence in African Languages (Kinyarwanda)
her accomplishments at IU, Shayla completed a minor in
22
Awarded to students in appreciation for their outstanding dedication to, and volunteer service in support of, African languages and cultures
African Languages (Kiswahili
Twalha Abass
Paul Ntinda
with African Studies for outreach activities on Swahili
Matthew Ajibadi
Ibrahim Odugbemi
language and culture, and was a 4-year member
Victor Alabi
Alexandra O’Neal
and officer on the student organization, African
George Armstrong
Fabiyi (Segun) Oluwasegun
Languages & Cultures Club (ALCC). If you have
Pilo Diaz
Emily Stratton
enjoyed one of our African Language Festivals, then
Darby FitzSimmons
Shayla Tate
you have Shayla to thank. Shayla will be graduating
Rachel Kabukala
Salina Tesfagiorgis
with a BA in Psychology, and with her minor focus,
Simon Munyeneza
Ian Thomas
will be able to serve Swahili immigrant communities
Richard Namahanga
Dana Vanderburgh
in the U.S. We wish Shayla the very best!
Hamilton Lugar School of Global & International Studies
concentration), has volunteered
Foreign Language & Area Studies Congratulations to African Studies Program’s Foreign Language & Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowship Awardees for Summer 2021 and the 2021-2022 Academic Year! This year’s FLAS awardees have a dedicated a combined total of 61 years to the study of one or more African languages. Summer 2021
Marina Mecham (IsiZulu)
Academic Year 2021-22
Aaron Schall (Kiswahili)
George Armstrong (Kiswahili)
Gaya Morris (Wolof)
George Armstrong (Kiswahili)
Kaylee Sheehan (isiZulu)
Jaycee Chapman (Kiswahili)
Alex O’Neil (IsiZulu)
William Decourt (Kiswahili)
Sachin Talagery (Arabic)
Ayo-Igbala Fashola (Yoruba)
Trevor Phipps (Kinyarwanda)
Esther Egunyomi (Yoruba)
Daniel Theus (Kiswahili)
Maggie Fitzgerald (IsiZulu)
Avenel Rolfsen (Sereer)
Ezra Evans (Kiswahili)
Ian Thomas (Kiswahili)
Patrick Lee (Arabic)
Patrick Lee (Arabic)
African Studies Program News Faculty Retirements Daniel B. Reed
years later, Daniel
Daniel B. Reed has distinguished himself as a
serve as the director
researcher, teacher, administrator, multimedia
of the Archives of
pioneer, and consummate networker during his
Traditional Music
decades at Indiana University. His colleagues and
(ATM) at Indiana
students know him to be generous, kind, gifted, and indefatigable.
was recruited to
Daniel B. Reed
University. He returned to Bloomington in 2001 and continued in his ATM administrative role until
He has performed with the Monkey Puzzle and Blue Sky Back music
2007. Daniel was simultaneously appointed
ensembles as a composer, singer, bassist, and guitarist. A measure of
as an assistant professor in the Department
his talent emerged in the selection of his composition “I Will Fall Down,”
of Folklore and Ethnomusicology. He was
which opened the 2019 World Parkinson’s Congress in Kyoto, Japan.
promoted to associate professor in 2008
This song selection reflected Daniel’s inspirational engagement with
before being recognized as the Laura
Parkinson’s over the years.
Boulton Professor in 2017 and as a professor in 2018.
Daniel received his bachelor’s degree in English literature from Ohio University in 1985. In 1995, he received his master’s degree in folklore
While serving as director of the ATM, Daniel
and ethnomusicology from Indiana University, followed by a Ph.D. in
was part of the Indiana University team that
Folklore and Ethnomusicology with a minor in African Studies in 1999.
worked with Harvard University’s Virginia
His dissertation was based upon ethnographic fieldwork in the Côte
Danielson to spearhead several innovative
d’Ivoire, with a focus on music and masking traditions among the
digital research and preservation efforts.
Dan people. The fieldwork was supported by funding from a Fulbright
The National Endowment for the Humanities
Fellowship.
(NEH) recognized the importance of the group’s efforts with two major Preservation
Upon completing his Ph.D., Daniel was appointed as an assistant
and Access grants for a project entitled
professor at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. Several
Sound Directions: Digital Preservation and Indiana University | African Studies Program
23
Access for Global Audio Heritage. These NEH grants laid the foundation for the later campuswide Media Digitization and Preservation Initiative, which demonstrated Indiana University’s leadership and innovation in the preservation of time-based media. Daniel’s first book, Dan Ge Performance: Masks and Music in Contemporary Côte d’Ivoire (2003), received high acclaim when the United Kingdom’s Royal Anthropological Institute awarded him with its Amaury Talbot Prize, designating the title as the most valuable work of African anthropology in 2004. Daniel’s second book, Abidjan USA: Music, Dance, and Mobility in the Lives of Four Ivorian Immigrants (2016), explored the complex expressive culture of musicians who live and perform in the United States even as they move back and forth to their homeland in West Africa. The title received
He has also tirelessly served on student exam
elaborate praise for its broad reach that encompassed everything from the
committees and advised students on grant
analytic to the experiential dimensions of expressive culture.
applications for a broad range of successful awards. Over the years, he has chaired or co-chaired 21
Beyond his books, Daniel has illuminated other dimensions of his research
Ph.D. dissertations and two M.A. theses along with
in numerous articles and invited book chapters that have extended into
generously supervising independent research,
the African arts and into historical and medical topics in the field of
undergraduate honors theses, and capstone
ethnomusicology.
projects.
Daniel’s first book, Dan Ge Performance: Masks and Music in Contemporary Côte d’Ivoire (2003), received high acclaim when the United Kingdom’s Royal Anthropological Institute awarded him with its Amaury Talbot Prize, designating the title as the most valuable work of African anthropology in 2004.
Daniel’s early foray into the area
Complementing his exemplary research, teaching,
of multimedia in ethnomusicology
and scholarship, Daniel has served his profession,
demonstrated his talent for embracing
university, department, and the Bloomington
innovative approaches to the analysis
community with a monumental range and depth
and presentation of the complex
of service. Daniel has participated on countless
performance of music, dance, and
review committees for fellowships and tenure
ritual. Most notably, he served as
and promotion dossiers at Indiana University.
primary author and researcher with
Community art patrons will long remember his
Gloria Gibson for a historic exploration
efforts to arrange for a procession featuring the
of sound recording and photography
Kotchenga Dance Company of Ivorian musicians and
entitled Music and Culture of West
masked dancers on stilts to open the Visions from
Africa: The Straus Expedition (2002).
the Forest: The Art of Liberia and Sierra Leone exhibit
He later contributed a research
at the Eskenazi Museum of Art in 2015. Still others
analysis of his Ivorian field recordings
will remember his efforts to raise funds for the
to the Ethnomusicological Video for
Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research,
Instruction and Analysis Digital Archive
his campaign to save the Bradford Woods outdoor
(EVIADA 2009).
education program, and his performance to raise money for Haitian earthquake victims.
Daniel has taught a wide range of courses over the years, including
24
Introduction to World Music and Culture, West African Music, African
Daniel Reed’s passion for serving Indiana University
Popular Music, Global Popular Music, and Music in Religious Thought
and the world beyond will be long remembered. His
and Experience. He has taught core courses in ethnomusicology such as
humor and courage have given us all an exemplary
Paradigms in Ethnomusicology, Fieldwork in Ethnomusicology, the Study
model for our own lives as university citizens and as
of Ethnomusicology, and History of Ideas: Mobility in Ethnomusicology.
community members.
Hamilton Lugar School of Global & International Studies
— Ruth M. Stone, from IU In Honor of Retiring Faculty, April 5, 2022
Sarah Young
health issues for youth. She is a research fellow and past president of the Sport
Sarah Young grew up as “a country kid” in a small
and Recreation Law Association and the
farming community outside Quincy, Illinois. She
recipient of the association’s President’s
went to Illinois State University to study pathology
Award in 2004, the SRLA award for
but changed course and graduated in 1982 with a
dedication and service as president in
B.S. in Recreation and Park Administration. After graduation, Sarah worked in Colorado before
Sarah Young
2019, and the Herb Appenzeller Honor Award in 2019. Sarah published regularly
deciding to go back to school. She applied to the master’s program in
in peer-reviewed journals, co-authored
recreational sport administration at Indiana University and was awarded
six textbooks, and authored 15 book
a fellowship with Dr. Craig Ross, now professor emeritus. Sarah earned
chapters on sport and recreation law.
her M.S. in 1986 and applied for a full-time intramural sports coordinator position in the Division of Recreational Sports. “Just like every other
Sarah also applied for and was awarded
student who loves IU, you fall in love with the place and can’t imagine
multiple grants, including two through
leaving it,” she says. She got the job and began teaching as an adjunct
the Bureau of Educational and Cultural
Sarah worked on an exchange program called Youth Enrichment through Sport (YES) Ghana, with Dr. Craig Ross from 2013–2015. “The purpose was to use sport as a developmental tool to help kids who don’t have a lot of opportunities to learn life skills,” she says.
lecturer the following year. “I really
Affairs in the Department of State’s
loved it,” she says. “I worked at
Sports Diplomacy Office. She worked on
it and learned how to become a
the first of these, an exchange program
better teacher—to meet students
called Youth Enrichment through Sport
where they are.”
(YES) Ghana, with Craig from 2013–2015. “The purpose was to use sport as a
In 1989, Sarah was promoted to
developmental tool to help kids who
assistant director of intramural
don’t have a lot of opportunities to learn
sports, a position she held until
life skills,” she says. The program was
1995, when she decided to pursue
so successful that she and Associate
her doctoral studies in leisure
Professor Bill Ramos applied for and won
behavior with a minor in law
a larger State Department grant, Youth
while continuing to teach. After
Enrichment through Sport (YES) Africa,
she earned her Ph.D. in 1998,
which involved exchanges with Liberia,
Sarah accepted a position as an
Sierra Leone, Senegal, Zambia, and
assistant professor in the Leisure
Malawi. “We used sport as a vehicle to
Studies Program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she
impact public health,” Bill says.
stayed until 2002, when Craig told her about a faculty position in the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies. Sarah returned
Teaching has remained Sarah’s first
to IU as an associate professor and director of undergraduate studies.
love, and she has been invited to lecture
She earned tenure in 2008; was associate chair of Instruction and
across the U.S. and at Beijing Sport
Undergraduate Studies in 2013–2014; was academic major coordinator
University. She received the Excellence
from 2011–2016; and served on committees at the department, school,
in Teaching Award from the Academy
and university levels. Then, in 2018, Sarah was asked to take on the role
of Leisure Sciences in 2015; the Career
of interim department chair, a position she held until 2021. While interim
Teaching Award from the School of
chair, she was named full professor and oversaw the transition of the
Public Health in 2013; and the Trustees’
department from Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies to Health &
Teaching Award in 2003, 2004, 2006,
Wellness Design.
and 2009. She was inducted into FACET in 2007 and taught for three years in
Sarah’s teaching and research has focused on legal issues in recreation
the OVPUE Intensive Freshman
and sport and the use of recreational sport to help solve community
Seminar program.
Indiana University | African Studies Program
25
Dr. Louis J. Calli Jr., Ann Marie Thomson and artist Brad Long, from left, stand beside “The Bright Continent.”Photo courtesy of George Armstrong
“Sarah is an exceptional teacher whose priority has always been educating
difficult situations, and for the long haul when
and supporting our students. She is an exemplary colleague and educator,
she knew that she heard the call that help was
and I feel fortunate to have worked with her over the years,” says Dr. Carrie
needed. I stand in admiration of her selfless
Docherty, executive associate dean of the School of Public Health.
dedication to others and wish her every success and happiness in this well-deserved respite.”
Craig says, “Dr. Young attained a high level of
"Dr. Sarah Young typifies team spirit, goodwill, and beneficence as expressed through scholarship and education."
national recognition as an excellent teacher and
Sarah’s retirement from IU was official December
scholar in the field of park and recreation. She
1st, and she is looking forward to cycling
has been instrumental in bringing recognition
vacations with her husband, David. “I’m a leisure
to Indiana University as the leading institution
scholar, a scholar of leisure, and people ask me,
in this area of study and research.”
‘What are you going to do now?’”
School of Public Health Dean David Allison
Sarah says. “I think I’m going to enjoy leisure.”
says, “Dr. Sarah Young typifies team spirit, goodwill, and beneficence as expressed through scholarship and education. As much as anyone I have met, she
We thank Sarah for her dedication and service to IU and wish her the very best in retirement.
is about the good of all and a commitment to others. She is humble and selfless and has stepped up bravely when needed on many occasions, in
— Rebecca Lipscomb, from IU In Honor of Retiring Faculty, April 5, 2022
26
Hamilton Lugar School of Global & International Studies
Patrick O’Meara’s Legacy Honored with Artwork Donated to Hamilton Lugar School Visitors to the African Studies Program in the Hamilton Lugar School
accomplishments, O’Meara was the first vice
of Global and International Affairs will notice a new piece of art on
president for international affairs and served
display. Titled “The Bright
as director of the African Studies Program for
Continent,” the beautifully
more than two decades. IU Press published the
hand-carved piece showcases
first edition of his co-edited textbook “Africa”
the continent of Africa.
in 1977, which is now in its fourth edition. The
Born in Cape Town, South Africa, O’Meara had a passion for the African continent, its cultures and its people, which showed in every aspect of his fivedecade career at IU.
textbook continues to be integral to African Ann Marie Thomson, a longtime
studies courses across North America.
adjunct faculty member for the O’Neill School of Public
O’Meara’s gift for communication and his
and Environmental Affairs, and
amiable sensibility proved a strength as he
her husband, Dr. Louis J. Calli
represented the university across the globe,
Jr., donated the piece to the
connecting with international leaders, including
Hamilton Lugar School in honor of the late Patrick O’Meara, whose
the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu and Nelson
illustrious career made an enormous impact on Thomson and many
Mandela. Additionally, he was instrumental
others at Indiana University. O’Meara passed away in March 2021.
in shaping the international study abroad programs that IU is known for today.
Born in Cape Town, South Africa, O’Meara had a passion for the African continent, its cultures and its people, which showed in
“It was Patrick’s vision and distinctive ability to
every aspect of his five-decade career at IU. Among his many
bring faculty and students together that led to
Patrick O’Meara, seen here in 2007, was IU’s first vice president for international affairs and an acclaimed scholar. Photo by Chris Meyer, Indiana University
commitment to students. When we saw this beautiful piece of art, we had to buy it and donate it as a permanent part of the IU Art Collection in his honor.” “The Bright Continent” was created by Indianapolis-based artist Brad Long, who was inspired to create the piece after he and his wife adopted two children from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The art piece is a map of Africa made of richly toned wood carvings, pieced together like a puzzle. It took six months to create by hand. Long the numerous academic, programmatic and outreach initiatives that came to define the African Studies Program as a leading center during his leadership in the 1970s to 1990s,” said John H. Hanson, history and African studies professor and executive associate dean at the Hamilton Lugar School.
donated the proceeds from the sale of his artwork to Malembe Rise, an organization dedicated to developing teachers and educating young people in the central African country.
Patrick always made anyone he met feel special, a rare and wonderful quality that few people have.
“Patrick was able to bring out the best in students and faculty.
“When I saw this artwork, so beautifully and
Hundreds have counted on his good counsel and advice, as well as
lovingly crafted, it was as if the wood – the
warm wishes and constructive guidance, as they navigated their
primary medium of the piece – called to me
academic careers at IU and elsewhere.”
in the same way I remember the rainforest trees calling to my vivid imagination,”
Thomson donated “The Bright Continent” in honor of O’Meara because
Thomson said, recalling her favorite
of the indelible impact he made on her life. She was born and raised
childhood memories in Africa.
in the Democratic Republic of Congo and moved to the United States to attend college. When she came to Bloomington to pursue a Master
A dedication to O’Meara on the artwork
of Arts in the African Studies Program, O’Meara served as a mentor
reads, in part, “Mentor, Guide, Model of
throughout her academic journey and beyond.
Integrity, and Friend, not only to Ann Marie and Jim, but to countless others whose
“At every key decision point in my academic career, Patrick’s door was
lives were touched by this extraordinary
always open,” Thomson said. “I watched him in action throughout the
man across the African continent and far
more than 25 years I have been here at IU. I learned what it means to
beyond.”
be a person of integrity, humility and sincerity. Over time, our collegial and professional relationship quite naturally evolved into friendship.
Thomson said she hopes O’Meara’s legacy
Patrick always made anyone he met feel special, a rare and wonderful
inspires future students who walk the
quality that few people have.
pathways of educational opportunities he helped pave.
“He and my husband, Jim, also became good friends, and both of us wanted to do something special that would honor Patrick in perpetuity.
— Julia Hodson is a communications
We knew his passion for art, for the continent of Africa and for his
consultant with IU Studios; News at IU
Faculty Awards
Dr. Moyd was nominated
Margaret Graves
Associate Director of
Fellowship at the Clark Art Institute
on Race & Ethnicity in
for her work as the the Center for Research
supports research
and African Studies Affiliate Faculty) will spend
on race and ethnicity
the 2022-2023 academic year as a Florence Gould
across disciplines
Foundation Fellow at the Clark Art Institute. While
and fosters
there, Graves will be conducting research for her book, Invisible Hands: Islamic Ceramics and the Colonial Art Market, which discusses modern
Michelle Moyd
Society (CRRES), which
Dr. Margaret S. Graves (Professor of Art History
community among Margaret Graves
collecting economies and the craftsmanship of faking in a work. In May, Dr. Graves and Dr. Alex Dika Seggerman (Rutgers University) published the edited volume, Making Modernity in the Islamic Mediterranean with Indiana University Press. Graves’ research interests include medieval Islamic art and architecture and 19thcentury art and craft in the Islamic world. Karen Gould Prize in Art History
those engaged in this important work. CRRES also hosts a speaker series and annual symposium. Dr. Moyd has long
The Building Bridges Award recognizes those organizations and people who capture Dr. King’s vision, spirit, and leadership in ways big and small.
been actively engaged in the community on these issues, as well, but with the murder of George Floyd, she increased her work to create further safe spaces for discussions on social justice and race in 2020.
The ASP wishes to offer its congratulations to Dr. Margaret S. Graves, Associate Professor of Art History and ASP Affiliate Faculty, who has
Additionally, Dr. Moyd was nominated for her
won the 2021 Karen Gould Prize in Art History for her book, Arts of
volunteer work in the broader Bloomington
Allusion: Object, Ornament, and Architecture in Medieval Islam. This
community. Dr. Moyd is one of the founders of the
prestigious annual award is given to a book or monograph that is
People’s Market of Bloomington which arose out of
judged to be of outstanding quality, selected by the Medieval Academy
the need for a safe space for community members
of America. To read more: medievalacademy.org/page/GouldPrize.
to sell and buy farm-fresh goods. The non-profit “strive[s] to build equity, create relationships,
Dr. Michelle Moyd Receives IU Building Bridges Award
cultivate liberation, and ensure access to local
Ruth N. Halls Associate Professor of History, CRRES Associate
org/about).
food, art, and education” (peoplesmarketbtown.
Director, and ASP faculty affiliate, Dr. Michelle Moyd, is a recipient of the IU Building Bridges Award. The award is given annually during
On receiving the award, Dr. Moyd posted, “I am
celebrations of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This
so grateful for this award, and to all the good
year’s gathering was virtual, but included IU students, faculty, staff,
folks who took valuable time out to nominate me,
and IU community partners from across Indiana. Nominations are
as well as the folks who served on the selection
submitted by individuals statewide, to recognize organizations or
committee. This means so much to me.… When
people who “promote equality, diversity, inclusion, and respect
I look back at all that transpired between March
(OVPDEMA).”
2020 and now, I really can’t believe how many folks I’ve met because people invited me into
“The Building Bridges Award recognizes those organizations and
their spaces. So many spaces and people. It was
people who capture Dr. King’s vision, spirit, and leadership in ways big
hard work, but I am grateful to have the chance to
and small – right here at IU and within communities across Indiana.”
try and make a difference where I can, I need to
– James C. Wimbush, Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and
remember that every day.”
Multicultural Affairs
Indiana University | African Studies Program
29
University Archives Exhibition focused on ASP at 60: In the National Interest: The Founding and Early Growth of Indiana University’s African Studies Program Beginning in 1961 with a Ford Foundation grant, Indiana University’s African Studies Program has been one of the most influential of its kind in the country. The program has been one of the principal ways the university has engaged with the rest of the world since the middle of the last century and supports teaching and research across various disciplines. The exhibition, held in the Fall of 2021, was researched and curated by African
African Studies Collection Librarian, Mireille Djenno
Studies Collection Librarian, Mireille Djenno. Using
Dr. Patrick O'Meara, former director of the Afrcian Studies Program with National Defense Fellows, 1972
documents
Using documents and photographs from the Indiana University Archives, the aim of the exhibit was to provide a broader understanding of when and how IU came to be the unlikely site of one of the pre-eminent centers for the study of Africa in the United States, and a Title VI National Resource Center for more than 50 years.
30
and photographs from the Indiana University Archives, the aim of the
Language and Area Center, signed by
exhibit was to provide a broader
Herman B Wells; images of early IU African
understanding of when and how IU
Studies faculty including George Herzog,
came to be the unlikely site of one
George Brooks, Gus Liebenow, Alan
of the pre-eminent centers for the
Merriam and Roy Sieber; letters of interest
study of Africa in the United States,
in new African Studies teaching positions;
and a Title VI National Resource
correspondence around U.S. Department
Center for more than 50 years.
of Defense offers of funding support; an invitation to help plan the African Studies
Archival materials in the exhibition
Association (ASA); Patrick O'Meara's 1982
included, among others, IU’s 1965
Christian Science Monitor commentary on
contract with the United States
the necessity for area studies; documents
Department of Health, Education
illustrating support for African colleagues;
and Welfare to create an African
and, ASP Directors’ annual reports.
Hamilton Lugar School of Global & International Studies
IU Libraries/African Studies Collection News The African Studies Collections continue to grow in support of historical areas of focus, as well as new areas of research and teaching among faculty and graduate students. This growth is supported not only through IU institutional support, but through Title VI funds for acquisition trips and special purchases in support of languages. IU Libraries is a prominent member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), a nonprofit organization of 125 research libraries at comprehensive, research institutions in Canada and the United States. ARL statistics and rankings are published every two years and the most recent available are for the
By the numbers 2021-22 African Studies Collections
3,000
2018-2019 reporting period.
The average number of books added to the African Studies Collection annually.
IU Special Collections of note
440
Wells Library
Lilly Library
• Somali Digital Archive (platform migration in progress)
• Ousmane Sembène
• H.K. Banda Archive; • Nuer Field Notes (platform migration in progress) • Liberian Collections; 33 constitutive collections
• Nadine Gordimer • Boris Boubakar Diop • Athol Fugard • Ngugi wa Thiong’o
Uncatalogued material (primary and secondary sources), include, example:
Non-subscription “sample” serials
HathiTrust is the largest set of digitized books managed by academic
1,111
pandemic, Indiana University students, faculty, and staff were able to log into HathiTrust to read copyrighted titles in the collection that IU Libraries owns in print format. This made 1.73 million additional items available when the collection was closed for print circulation. The books accessed
2,939 New titles for the African Studies Collection added in FY 2021.
10,921,376 IU Libraries volumes held
1,446
• Onitsha Market Literature ephemera including poster and pamphlet collections
and research libraries. Through a temporary arrangement during the
African Languages represented by the African Studies collections.
8,679,755 IU Libraries titles held
Posters
1,053
638
Maps in microformats
B&W print photographs
9,135
Pamphlets (including some uncatalogued maps)
through Emergency Temporary Access Service (ETAS) were made available under the fair use sections of the United States Copyright Act. From April 2020 when ETAS became available, through early December
Additional materials from the ephemera and
2020, more than 30,000 IU-full text items were accessed by Indiana
other uncatalogued IU African Studies collection
University users. While it is difficult to say with certainty exactly how
were made available upon request as scans by
many Africana titles were accessed via ETAS, given the aggregate
the African Studies Librarian.
reporting, a keyword search of the data of the word ‘Africa’, excluding titles having to do with African American topics, shows that over 400
Any student can make an appointment to see
unique, full-text Africana titles were accessed via Hathi Trust’s ETAS,
the African Studies Collections Librarian for
including serials and monographs.
research support.
Indiana University | African Studies Program
31
New IU Bloomington Center for Refugee Studies Professor of Geography and African Studies
traditional humanitarian aid, in supporting
Faculty Affiliate, Dr. Elizabeth Cullen Dunn,
refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine
was named the Founding Director of IU
[see related article on the 2021 Berlin
Bloomington’s new Center for Refugee Studies
Conference and #Africans in Ukraine].
in July 2021. Dr. Dunn also leads the African
Dr. Dunn has done extensive work on
Studies Program’s Title VI funded Displaced
the ground supporting refugees fleeing
Africans initiative, working closely with associate
into Poland over the last year and is the
director Tavy Aherne, as well as colleagues
Executive Director of the Bloomington
Eli Konwest (Center for the Study of Global Change) and Colton Ames
Refugee Support Network. She is looking
(European Studies Institute). Dr. Dunn's research and advocacy spans
forward to bringing her practical and
fourteen years. She has focused on studying refugee support networks
academic expertise to the new Center for
and humanitarian response around the world. Dunn’s recent work
Refugee Studies.
highlights the role of self-organized volunteer networks, rather than
Dunn’s recent work highlights the role of self-organized volunteer networks, rather than traditional humanitarian aid, in supporting refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.
Dr. Bárbaro Martínez-Ruiz Leads New Global Visual Cultures Initiative Dr. Bárbaro Martínez-Ruiz (Associate Professor of Art History, Tanner-Opperman Chair of African Art in Honor of Roy Sieber, and African Studies Affiliate Faculty)
This university-wide initiative is an outgrowth of the long-standing African Studies Program faculty working group focused on New Media and Literary Initiatives in Africa (NEMLIA).
was named the Coordinator of the new Global Visual Cultures initiative at HLS. This universitywide initiative is an outgrowth of the long-standing African Studies Program faculty working
Dr. Bárbero Martínez Ruiz
Alexandra Nickolaou
Rachel Kabukala
group focused on New Media and Literary Initiatives in Africa (NEMLIA). This growth reflects
Among this year's successful events
the historical strengths of arts
was an exhibition on contemporary wall
and humanities at IU and our strong faculty research and student
tapestries, organized by Dr. Martínez-Ruiz
interest across disciplines and schools at IU which are focused on
and curated by Nickolaou [see p. 16].
visual cultures. Graduate students and faculty interested
32
Dr. Martínez-Ruiz has been working with doctoral students in African
in joining the related Global Visual
arts, Rachel Kabukala and Alexandra Nickolaou, in the planning of
Cultures working group should contact Dr.
student and faculty focused events and research initiatives.
Martínez-Ruiz or Dr. Beth Buggenhagen.
Hamilton Lugar School of Global & International Studies
The conference in Berlin was planned and executed by Eli Konwest, Director of the Center for Study of Global Change, Colton Ames, Associate Director of the Institute for European Studies, and Tavy Aherne, Associate Director of the African Studies Program
ASP Co-hosts International Conference In Dialogue: Symposium on the Displacement of Peoples Between Africa and Europe In March of 2022, the African Studies Program, with the Center for the Study of Global Change and the Institute for European Studies hosted an international symposium at the IU Europe Gateway in Berlin on the transnational dynamics and repercussions of the movement of displaced peoples between
This symposium, hosted in Germany, one of the top five host countries for refugees displaced abroad, explored the refugee experience through multiple lenses, from the political and cultural, to the aesthetic, economic, intimate, and historic.
Africa and Europe. This three-day symposium featured scholars, practitioners, activists, members of local refugee communities, and artists in a dialogue that investigated how education, national security, humanitarian aid, social services, policies, economics, children, families, and identities are being impacted in communities in Africa and Europe.
Worldwide, there are an estimated 82.4 million forcibly displaced people, of which 26.4 million are classified as refugees. This symposium, hosted in Germany, one of the top five host countries for refugees displaced abroad, explored the refugee experience through multiple lenses, from the political and cultural, to the aesthetic, economic, intimate, and historic. To tackle the issue of displaced peoples, collaborations and conversations must be forged that integrate multiple perspectives, peoples, and nations. This gathering intended to offer a space for
but were not limited to: visualizing and
collaboration with resettled refugees, to allow a platform for their
representing displacement through art
voices to be engaged with scholars, activists, and others. New collective
forms; enrichment of host and originating
methodologies and innovative pedagogical approaches were also shared
communities; effects of war, violence,
to promote understanding and action about a complicated transnational
conflict or persecution; climate change
problem.
and forced displacement; art as an agent of political change in relation to forcibly
The symposium was comprised of interdisciplinary panels, roundtable
displaced peoples; art as an entry point
discussions, multi-media and arts-based events, and other creative
to more meaningfully and intimately
endeavors on the issues outlined above. Conversations included
Indiana University African Studies Program understand the |experience of refugees.
33
Dr. Lawrance discusses publishing with graduate students
ASP (African Studies Program) Pathways Created in 2020, the ASP Pathways series is meant to provide unique
This was followed by the editor-in-chief of the
mentoring, professionalization and career-preparation experiences for
African Studies Review, Dr. Benjamin Lawrance
students and faculty.
(Professor of History, University of Arizona) who offered an intimate perspective to graduate
African Studies opened this year’s ASP Pathways series with Power
students and faculty with his discussion,
Up Your Research! Introduction to Digital Methods. This workshop
Intellectual Currents in Interdisciplinary African
was directed at graduate students and early career faculty and was
Studies: Reflecting on the Role of Editor of the
presented by the team from IU Institute for Digital Humanities, including
African Studies Review.
Kalani Craig, Vanessa Elias and Sydney Stutsman.
Dunn’s recent work highlights the role of self-organized volunteer networks, rather than traditional humanitarian aid, in supporting refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine. Mireille Djenno, African Studies Collections Librarian, offered a session on Navigating the African Studies Research Landscape at Indiana University, including new library and archival resources for students and faculty. The Grad Center led a session on the Art of Grant Proposal Writing, about structuring and drafting competitive grant proposals. Dr. Beth Buggenhagen, director of graduate Mireille Djenno presents for ASP Pathways
studies for ASP, and Dr. Tavy Aherne, director of undergraduate studies for ASP, led several mentoring/advising sessions for graduate and
34
Hamilton Lugar School of Global & International Studies
undergraduate students where students could also connect with their peers from across campus with similar interests. Further sessions included information on how to plan for study abroad work, and on Peace Corps. Students are welcome to suggest topics for future Pathways events.
African Studies 2021 Visiting Scholars Each year, the African Studies Program Left to right: Dr. Amos Sawyer Former President of Liberia, Dean and Professor Emeritus, University of Liberia, Doctor of Humane Letters from IU Dr. Maria Grosz-Ngaté Research Scientist and Associate Director Emerita for ASP, Past President, African Studies Association Jacien Carr Ph.D. Candidate, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London
hosts scholars, artists, and professionals from around the world whose interests and expertise engage with Africa and the global African diaspora. In a mutually beneficial relationship, visiting scholars are able to avail themselves of the extraordinary resources at Indiana University, while contributing to the intellectual and cultural life of the university and greater Bloomington through public lectures, performances, film screenings, exhibits, student conversations, and more.
Yakasah Wehyee Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Political Science, University of Minnesota
African Studies was also privileged to welcome two Carnegie-IREX Fellows from Uganda to IU: Roscoe Kasujji, Ph.D. Chair of the School of Psychology, Makerere University President of the Uganda Clinical Psychology Association. Zaam Kalemba Namuli Ssal Head of Communications and Research in the College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University
Indiana University | African Studies Program
35
Dr. Tavy Aherne with members of the fall African Studies graduate seminar in interdisciplinary methods: Ezra Evans, Twalha Abbass, Ian Thomas, Paul Ntinda, Fabiyi (Segun) Oluwasegun, and George Armstrong
Graduate Seminar in Interdisciplinary Methods The Interdisciplinary Methods in African Studies (AFRI-A 650) is designed to provide a foundation for conducting research and applied work in, and on, Africa. Originally developed by Dr. Maria Grosz-Ngaté, the course has been updated and is now taught by Dr. Tavy Aherne (Associate Director, ASP). The course begins with an examination of African Studies as an area of knowledge production with an emphasis on the historical, intellectual, and institutional contexts that have shaped the field over time. The majority of the seminar then focuses on the approaches and methods of inquiry used by scholars and professionals of various disciplinary backgrounds; the identification and analysis of
sources; new modes of scholarly communication and publication; and the ethics and politics of research and publication. African Studies faculty members from departments and schools across the IUB campus share their research and discuss associated conceptual issues and methodological techniques. African Studies Collection librarian Mireille Djenno also acts as the course's embedded librarian, and introduces students to research in IU libraries, special collections, and archives.
Mireiile Djenno leads A650 seminar students through a discussion of archival materials
The seminar is held each fall, and contents and articles are tailored to the current graduate student cohort, as well as faculty participation.
36
Hamilton Lugar School of Global & International Studies
Mandela Washington Fellows Return to IU The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, established in 2014, is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) that empowers young people through academic
Indiana University welcomed 24 of Africa’s bright, emerging civic engagement leaders and hosted a six-week Leadership in Civic Engagement Institute.
coursework, leadership training, and networking. More than 700 Fellows from across subSaharan Africa are selected annually through a highly competitive process. Through the Office of International Development (OID), IU has hosted Mandela Washington
Fellow cohorts since 2016 for a Leadership in Civic Engagement Institute, including an all virtual program in 2021. On June 8, Indiana University welcomed 24 of Africa’s bright, emerging civic engagement leaders and hosted a six-week Leadership in Civic Engagement Institute. During the Institute,
peer collaborators, offer diverse cultural perspectives, and work toward building strong networks for sharing ideas and best practices. One-on-one coaching and mentoring around individual “focus projects” further empower them to make an impact on important issues in their home countries and communities. Each summer, African Studies faculty and others are asked to host scholars for a home visit. These visits may lead to long-lasting relationships. This summer, ASP’s associate director Tavy Aherne once again hosted two of the scholars,
During the Institute, this cohort of accomplished young professionals from 18 countries across sub-Saharan Africa developed skills, experiences, and technical capacity in areas such as community development, volunteerism, grassroots activism, leadership, social entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and fundraising for non-profits
this cohort of accomplished young professionals from 18 countries across sub-Saharan Africa developed skills, experiences, and technical capacity in areas such as community development, volunteerism, grassroots activism, leadership, social entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and fundraising for non-profits. Engaging the Mandela Washington Fellows with IU faculty and surrounding communities also creates mutually beneficial opportunities for learning and exchange as Fellows share their
Boubacar Mahmoud from Mauritania, and Lithalethemba (“Litha”) Stwayi from South Africa. African Studies MA student Oluwasegun (“Segun”) Fabiyi worked for this YALI program as the Fellows’ liaison. — Teshome Alemnah/IU Global
personal and professional experiences, meet with Americans and Indiana University | African Studies Program
37
African Studies Outreach The Muslim Voices Project Increasing intercultural understanding Muslim Voices is a project dedicated to promoting understanding and dialogue between Muslims and
Ale Ebrahim
Heather Akou
Derya Dogan
non-Muslims. Led by the Hamilton Lugar School's Center for the Study of Global Change, and supported by the African
The project is now led by Derya Dogan.
Studies Program through Title VI funding, the project works to increase
Derya has been with the Muslim Voices
intercultural understanding through podcasts, art exhibits, public
since summer 2019. She is also one of
discussions, and accessible scholarship.
the Interfaith America co-project leaders and runs the Muslim Voices Instagram
The project aims to increase intercultural understanding through podcasts, art exhibits, public discussions, and accessible scholarship.
account. She is a double-major Ph.D. candidate in Education Policy Studies and Middle Eastern Languages & Cultures. Since its relaunch in 2018, Muslim Voices
The project aims to: • Increase intercultural understanding by providing access to the voices and visions of Islam and Muslims locally and around the world.
further projects and events. Last summer saw the launch of the “Interfaith/ Intercultural Conversations: Broadening
• Inform and promote dialogue as it tackles the complexities of Islam
Horizons at IU” project with a grant from
and the often-complicated relations between Muslims and non-Muslims.
Interfaith America that we received
• Replace misinformation, mistrust, and oversimplifications with awareness, consideration, dialogue, and a diversity of voices. • Promote accessible scholarship, forthright communication, balanced
in the summer. The first phase of the project, “Human Library of Religions” has been successfully implemented, thanks to our volunteers who represented
viewpoints, and the value of the many voices and visions of Islam.
different faith traditions and were willing
The project includes a faculty advisory board, as well as advanced Ph.D.
community at three different events.
students who gain professional experience, putting their academic knowledge in practice. ASP faculty affiliate Heather Akou is one of the advisors for Muslim Voices, while doctoral student Benjamin (Ben) Ale-Ebrahim (Anthropology and African Studies) was the creator and coordinator of the original blog and social media content. Ben is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Anthropology with a Ph.D. minor in African Studies. He earned a B.A. in Anthropology and an M.A. in Religious Studies at the University of Kansas before beginning graduate studies at IU in the fall of 2017. He has conducted research in Marrakech, Rabat, Tangier and Tetouan, Morocco.
38
has been growing with the addition of
Hamilton Lugar School of Global & International Studies
to answer questions from the IU student
Muslim Voices also organized a panel discussion, “The Hijab as Contested Political Site in Iran and France,” with Dr. Carol Ferrara from Emerson College and Dr. Pouya Alimagham from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. They discussed the politicization of the Islamic practice of wearing a headscarf through two contrasting examples,
first in France where it is constantly being banned in different levels of
Muslim World. The Muslim Voices blog
society, and second in Iran where it is mandatory nationwide.
is currently looking for new contributors to add to the team. Graduate students
The Muslim Voices project has also launched its Instagram account,
interested in engaging with the project
where original cultural content from around the world is posted, and
are invited to learn more at
updates about symposia, conferences, lectures and talks about the
muslimvoices.indiana.edu.
Dr. Hillary Khan leading one of the ICCI workshops
Institute for Curriculum & Campus Internationalization: Assisting Minority Serving Institutions and Community College Partners The Institute for Curriculum & Campus Internationalization (ICCI)
workshops, focused on either course
was created under then-director of IU’S Center for the Study of
or campus internationalization, with
Global Change, Dr. Hilary Kahn. It was created to assist faculty and
large group sessions which encourage
administrators at Minority Serving Institutions and community
perspectives from across any institution.
colleges to prepare students, faculty, and staff to be effective
Some sessions are presentations, while
scholars, practitioners, and citizens of the 21st century. ICCI is funded
others involve participants in activities.
by IU’s National Resource Centers, including the African Studies
Different aspects of the ICCI program
Program. ICCI provides the highest quality learning environment
are meant to model ways to engage
for individuals in higher education to think deeply and productively
audiences in the internationalization process in higher education institutions.
ICCI provides the highest quality learning environment for individuals in higher education to think more deeply and productively about internationalization.
Participants • Learn how to internationalize their curriculum and campus • Understand comprehensive
about internationalization. ICCI includes two distinctive tracks with
internationalization and the importance of
individualized workshops led by experts in international education
collaboration and dialogue
(Course and Campus tracks; focused for individual faculty or administrators). The ICCI program mixes dedicated small group Indiana University | African Studies Program
39
At the ICCI Showcase Event, various Hamilton Lugar School centers introduced their work to ICCI participants for potential future collaborations
• Identify innovative pedagogies, technologies, and best practices • Explore the teaching and assessment of global learning objectives
Over 40 attendees joined this year for the first in-person conference since ICCI 2019. ICCI allowed for the IU National Resource
• Examine strategic planning and measurements of institutional success
Centers to begin new partnerships,
• Become members of a network of international and global educators
immerse participants in several global
and administrators and much more.
cultures, and equip participants/campus leaders with tools to internationalize their home institutions more robustly. Partners
ICCI allowed for the IU National Resource Centers to begin new partnerships, immerse participants in several global cultures, and equip participants/ campus leaders with tools to internationalize their home institutions more robustly.
joined us from institutions such as: the University of Indianapolis, Fort Valley State University, Ivy Tech Community College, Moraine Valley Community College, Navajo Technical University, Diné College, Usmanu Danfodiyo University (Nigeria), Indiana
The African Studies Program provides funding as well as materials and interactive cultural presentations at every ICCI. Most recently, in spring 2022, Associate Director Aherne provided participants information on African expressive forms.
40
Hamilton Lugar School of Global & International Studies
University, and more.
IUB Global Employability Project A Title VI Outreach Initiative
Collaboration between Ivy Tech Community College and Indiana
course content and style of instruction:
University Bloomington has grown for the past two decades and
worthy and interesting, opening eyes
facilitated stronger global education initiatives for both institutions.
to see the business connections with
When administrators and faculty came together in 2018, they discussed
different cultures, religions and politics,
the need for new credentials that would offer community college
an amazing course and well presented,
students the opportunity to strengthen their workforce preparation
[providing] much-needed cultural
through global competence and employability skills. Over the next year,
competence education.
Ivy Tech courses were evaluated and selected for the Global Workforce Skills Certificate. Introduction and Capstone courses were also created
During January 2022, the IUB Global
by Ivy Tech Community College faculty to complete the curriculum for
Employability Project worked with TPMA
the 21 credit hours certificate.
and the Indiana Chambers of Commerce
The new Global Workforce Skills Certificate offers community college students the opportunity to strengthen their workforce preparation through global competence and employability skills. The new certificate was approved by the Indiana Commission for Higher
to disseminate an e-survey to Indiana
Education in 2020 and housed in the School of Business. It requires
employers. Survey questions were
students to complete fifteen credit hours from the Schools of Business,
developed by IUB, IUPUI and Ivy Tech
Education, Agriculture, Health Care, Communication, Social Science or
Community College educators. TPMA
Humanities, in addition to the Introduction and Capstone courses. The
received the survey results and prepared
Introduction course (GLOB 101), provides modules for Global Indiana,
a summary report for contributing
Global Supply Chain, Global Competencies, Decision Making in a Global
partners. Sixty-four percent of the (61)
Environment, Intercultural Communication, Global Economy and
Indiana employers who responded
Diversity in Communication.
indicated their organization has international ties that include import/
Last year, sixty Ivy Tech students enrolled in the GWSC Introduction
export of goods or services, foreign
and Capstone courses. Through Title VI funding, student focus groups
ownership, or foreign direct investment.
were conducted with those who completed either course. The feedback will allow Ivy Tech Community College educators the opportunity to
For management level positions, nearly
strengthen curriculum and marketing. Thomas P. Miller Associates
two thirds of employer respondents
(TPMA) provided a summary of the interviews, noting that students’
indicated global competency and world
remarks were significantly positive in descriptions of the Introduction
language proficiencies are beneficial for Indiana University | African Studies Program
41
hiring or promotion. Understanding of intercultural communications and
Ivy Tech Community College Coordinator of
the global workplace (63%) and world language proficiency (49%) were
Global Education, Emily Watson, presented
the most prioritized survey attributes in hiring employees.
on new global education programs. Heather Singmaster and IUB CGC staff engaged
For management level positions, nearly two thirds of employer respondents indicated global competency and world language proficiencies are beneficial for hiring or promotion.
Another focus for the IUB
with teachers regarding their development
Global Employability Project
of a new curriculum. CTE teachers earned
has been professional
Certificates for 15 Professional Growth Points,
development with CTE
a participation stipend and travel allowance.
Educators. During July 2022, the Global Employability
CTE Centers from across the state
Project coordinated a hybrid
collaborated with us in marketing and planning
K-12 CTE teacher workshop,
the workshops. These included the McKenzie
Internationalizing Work-Based
Institute of Technology, Hoosier Hills Career
Learning Connections for
Center, Greater Lafayette Career Academy
Indiana Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs. Eleven CTE
and Walker Career Center. Indiana University’s
teachers created a small, engaged group that traveled from diverse
CGC and CIBER contributed funding, staff
regions of the state to Hoosier Hills Career Center for the first workshop
presentations and implementation of the
session on July 12th.
workshops. The Global Center, the African Studies Program and the other
Director of IU Center for the Study of Global Change, Eli Konwest, shared global education resources for classroom use. Asia Society facilitator, Heather Singmaster, provided a context for global competence, global leadership performance outcomes, and career ready practices that integrate with Indiana K-12 Academic and Employability skills. The morning session was complemented by a lunchtime business panel that addressed workforce opportunities and needs. Christi McBride, Hoosier Hills Career Center Director, facilitated the panel and teachers also provided questions.
[Indiana] employers explained what they seek in applicants when hiring or promoting.
to work in diverse environments, communicate respectfully with others and participation in internships were mentioned consistently. Employers noted the growth of international
The ability to work in diverse environments, communicate respectfully with others and participation in internships were mentioned consistently. Employers noted the growth of international business within Indiana and the nation.
business within Indiana and the nation. CTE teachers voiced appreciation for hearing directly from the business leaders and being able to share the information with students. Asynchronous study global education courses included templates to draft classroom curriculum. At the second workshop session, held virtually on July 22, IU CIBER Program Manager, Ryan Craven provided work-based learning resources within a global education framework. 42
Hamilton Lugar School of Global & International Studies
also contributed funding and curricular support this year for the CTE professional development, promotion of
Employers explained what they seek in applicants when hiring or promoting. The ability
IU National Resource Centers
the Global Workforce Skills Certificate and other global education projects. — Linda Mann, Global Employability Coordinator
Photo courtesy Amanda Hutchins
Lotus Fall Festival This year, the African Studies Program sponsored two artists’ performances at the annual Lotus Festival in Bloomington. Yacouba Sissoko was born in Kita, Mali, to a well-known Djeli family. For centuries, Djelibe have been the traditional musicians and keepers of the factual history and fables of
Yacouba Sissoko
Maria de Barros
past rulers, nobles, social groups and families. The kora is the traditional instrument that Djelibe play. Yacouba
coladeiras and bluesy mornas common
continues to blend effortlessly the kora with other musical styles,
to her culture’s music, while also
whether it is performing Indian ragas or Appalachian tunes. Yacouba can
introducing the intoxicating rhythm of
be seen regularly touring with Regina Carter, Rachel Brown, Jordana de
the funana. An instrument called a ferro,
Lovely, Oran Etkin, Kavita Shah, Benyoro and his own band SIYA. He has
which is simply a piece of metal played
performed at Carnegie Hall and is a 2021 Featured Lotus Fest Artist.
with a spoon, drives the funana rhythm.
A native of Dakar, Senegal, Maria de Barros lived the first 13 years of her life in Nuakchott, Mauritania in northwest Africa. Her creative heart, however, ultimately lies in the culturally rich Cape Verde; a former Portuguese colony located 350 miles off the coast of Senegal, the birthplace of her parents. Currently a resident Los Angeles, her love for Latin music flourished, triggering her to sing in Spanish, one of the six languages that de Barros speaks. Maria de Barros sings salsa-flavored
Indiana University | African Studies Program
43
Swahili Language and Culture: Hands-on Experiences at Harmony School The African Studies Program (ASP) engages in outreach to K-12 educators and their students, from the local to the national level. One example of such initiatives is the long-time engagement with third and fourth grade students at Bloomington’s Harmony Margaret Mwingira
School. At the request of a Harmony teacher years ago, the Swahili program was created
by ASP’s Dr. Alwiya Omar – a nationally known Clinical Professor in Linguistics and the Director of the National African Languages Resource Center (NALRC). This year, doctoral candidate in Education, Margaret Mwingera, led the Harmony Swahili program.
Students in this classroom are introduced to the Swahili language and culture through songs, children’s games, folktales, dress code and cooking – for example, designing kanga designs and creating their own kanga sayings in Kiswahili.
Margaret teaches Swahili language and culture for the IU African Studies Program and was the instructor of record for the 2019 STARTalk Swahili summer program and the 2021 and 2022 IU Summer Swahili Camps. She has also done extensive outreach into the community. At Harmony Elementary School, an accredited independent
educational institution, students integrate interactive, project-based
chapatis. They also learn about a variety
learning. The students engage in hands-on activities while they learn
of occupations in the different East African
about Swahili culture and learn Kiswahili in this year-long program. Their
environments. They learn daily activities
teachers sometimes play the guitar as students work, sing, draw or make
and foods of the coastal areas, including
designs of Swahili materials and cultural works. Students are curious,
the great Rift Valley, Great Lakes Region,
enthusiastic, and engaged in learning the Swahili language and daily
areas surrounding major mountains, and
routines of Swahili people of East Africa.
wildlife reserves. It is interesting to see students compare differences between their
Students in this classroom are introduced to the Swahili language and
own culture and that of East Africa through
culture through songs, children’s games, folktales, dress code and
discussions and activities. We hope they
cooking. For example, students create kanga designs, Swahili cloths that
remain enthusiastic about East Africa and
incorporate Kiswahili sayings. They create their own kanga sayings in
Swahili language and culture.
Kiswahili, role-playing the use of language in everyday settings through a fruit and vegetable market set up in the classroom, and cook and eat
44
Hamilton Lugar School of Global & International Studies
— Margaret Mwingera
K-12 Outreach: Bridges: Children, Languages, World The African Studies Program is pleased to support the 2021-2022 Bridges: Children, Languages, World program—an opportunity for Indiana University language learners to share ten global languages with youth across Bloomington’s K-6 schools. Bridges is a wonderful opportunity to ignite a passion for global learning in K-6 students and strengthen civicleadership skills in IU undergraduates. During the 2021-2022 Academic Year, ASP student volunteers led classes in isiZulu and Kiswahili. In recognition of their leadership, Kiswahili volunteers were honored with an award from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bloomington for Best Volunteer Group (see p. 16).
Swahili Summer Camp The African Studies Program (ASP) returned to offering its Swahili summer day camp in person. The camp, first established in 2020 and held virtually, replaced the former federally funded STARTALK-Swahili program. The ASP summer camp is now funded as part of African Studies outreach initiatives through the U.S. Department of Twalha and Zaituni prep for a lesson
Education Title VI program. The main goal is to introduce middle and high school students to Kiswahili and Swahili culture. The program is offered at no cost to students in Bloomington and the surrounding region. Swahili, also known as Kiswahili, is a major language of Eastern and Central Africa and is one of the working languages of the African Union. While it has been taught at IU for over 25 years, it is not taught in K-12 schools.
The natural world was a focus for the ASP Swahili summer camp
Indiana University | African Studies Program
45
Now, with the Bridges: Children, Languages, World Swahili program for elementary students and the camp for 7-12th graders, children in the Bloomington community can take Kiswahili straight through K-12. One of ASP's 2021 participating students is in their third year of summer study and hopes to be able to continue to study the language at IU. We want to thank this year’s phenomenal instructors without whom this program would not be possible: doctoral student in Education Margaret Mwingera, and MA student in African Studies Twalha Abbass. Asante sana! Twalha prepares lesson on plants and animals
ASP Recommended Reading
Camp Educators Twalha Abbass and Margaret Mwingera
Contact us! Contact African Studies to learn about academic options and stay informed of upcoming events and announcements.
AFRICAN STUDIES PROGRAM africanstudies.indiana.edu
@iuasp
afrist@indiana.edu
Newsletter editor: Tavy Aherne Newsletter layout and design: IU Hamilton Lugar School Office of Communications & Marketing Photography: Courtesy of the African Studies Program, photographer George Armstrong, and IU Hamilton Lugar School unless otherwise noted
jpsi.indiana.edu africanstudies.indiana.edu
@21JPSI_IU jpsi@iu.edu @iuasp afrist@indiana.edu