CENTER FOR STUDIES ON AFRICA AND ITS DIASPORA
Our Four Pillars
The center serves as an ongoing learning resource for Georgia State faculty, staff, and students, while also extending its reach to benefit both local and global communities.
Research and Programming
The Global Read-A-Thon
Celebrating Black History Month, Center for Studies on Africa and Its Diaspora (CSAD) brings together nations from around the globe to pay tribute to the literary works of Africa and the African diaspora.
Hip-Hop Studies Consortium (HHSC)
Center for Studies on Africa and Its Diaspora and the Department of Africana Studies has established the Hip-Hop Studies Consortium (HHSC) in recognition of hip-hop's global impact. The HHSC follows the models of Harvard University’s HipHop Archive and Research Institute and the Hip-Hop Initiative at the University of California, Los Angeles’ Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies.
CSAD Global - Abroad in Bahia
Georgia State University's Global Education Initiative is currently conducting a four-week seminar titled "Fostering Afro-Brazilian Curriculum Development and Research" from May 30 to June 24, 2024. The program is hosted by the Steve Biko Cultural Institute in Pelourinho and features seminars in Portuguese, Afro-Brazilian history, and culture, along with local excursions.
Charleston Symposium
Georgia State University’s Mellon-sponsored Intersectionality in the American South Collective (GSU-Mellon IAS), College of Charleston’s Carolina Low Country and Atlantic World Program (CLAW), and The Avery Center hosted a three-day symposium, “Ancestries of Enslavement: When and Where I Enter,” from July 10–12, 2024.
Special Events
An Evening With Gelila Assefa Puck
Experience the captivating moments from "An Evening With Gelila Assefa Puck - Ethiopia, Memories of Home: Revolution, Refuge, and Renewal" through these event pictures, capturing the essence of the evening.
In this profile, CSAD External Advisory Board Member and Partner and Creative Director of The Wolfgang Puck Group of Companies, Gelila Assefa Puck, reflects on her life journey and delivers a powerful message to GSU students.
CSAD Hosts Oscar-Nominated Actor Djimon Hounsou
CSAD was honored to host two-time Oscar-nominated actor Djimon Hounsou, known for films like Blood Diamond, Gladiator, and Amistad, as well as his humanitarian work as founder of The Djimon Hounsou Foundation (DHF). His foundation's mission to uplift Africa's identity and combat human trafficking aligns closely with CSAD’s focus on innovative research and global engagement to deepen understanding of Africa and its diaspora.
During his visit to Georgia State University, Mr. Hounsou met with CSAD’s leadership team, including Executive Director Edvige Jean-François, Director of Academics Dr. Elizabeth West, and the center's Graduate Research Assistants. The discussion highlighted shared goals to educate, heal historical injustices, and celebrate African heritage.
CSAD embraces its mantra, "Africa Everywhere," and looks forward to continued collaboration with DHF. It was an inspiring visit for our team, including graduate students Safiya Miller, Sarah Powanda, Basit Amuda, and Siddartha Madupuri.
Additionally, DHF's Run Richmond 16.19 event demonstrates the foundation’s commitment to Black history and culture, offering participants a powerful journey through pivotal historical eras with educational resources guided by Mr. Hounsou himself.
Global Read-A-Thon 2024, The Greatest of All Time (The GOAT)
To celebrate Black History Month, the Center for Studies on Africa and Its Diaspora in the U.S. (Atlanta) is collaborated with The U.S Embassy in Banjul, The Gambia, The Johannes Gutenberg University Obama Institute in Mainz, Germany and Centro de Estudios Afrodiaspóricos (CEAF), Universidad Icesi in Cali, Colombia, for an event that streamed live from the Creative Media Industries Institute. The event took place on our Atlanta Campus from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST and celebrated books from Africa and the African diaspora.
A Lens Across The World: News & Current Events
Contact Us
Center for Studies on Africa and Its Diaspora
Mailing address:
College of Arts & Sciences
P.O. Box 4038
Atlanta, GA 30302-4038