Department of Africana Studies
Africana Studies is an interdisciplinary field of study devoted to the critical and systematic examination of the cultural, political, social, economic, and historical experiences of African Americans, Africans, and peoples of African descent around the world.
Our intellectual work and programing highlight the impact of Africa and the African diasporas on humanity. Through its research, academic initiatives and public programming, the Center’s work seeks to explore the profound ways in which African peoples have functioned on a global scale and how their experiences have resonated around the world throughout history.
Africana Studies News
Upcoming Events
Kwibuka 31
The 31st Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda
Join the Center for Africana Studies and the Society for African Internationals at Penn (SAIP) for the 31st Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda. This Friday, April 25, 2025, at 6:15pm meet…
Toward Home: Toni Morrison and the Adventure of the 21st Century
Student & Community Member Led
Jaimee Martin, Qamar Coleman, Bernita Mapp
"Toward Home", named in honor of Toni Morrison's 10th novel, will bring together West Philadelphia community members, students, and Penn's Africana studies department to discuss themes from Morrison's writing in…
Living the Hard Promise | Challenges to Higher Education: Faculty Perspectives on Our Shifting Landscape
Daniel Hopkins, Douglas Jerolmack, Tukufu Zuberi, Jeffrey Kallberg
Join us for a timely discussion of the impacts of recent federal actions across higher education and here at Penn. Faculty panelists Daniel Hopkins, Douglas Jerolmack, and Tukufu Zuberi will join Interim Dean Jeffrey…