The center is in the heart of Atlanta, a city known for its globally recognized leaders who shaped and institutionalized fundamental civil rights and African American heritage and for its eminent institutions (the Museum of Civil and Human Rights, the MLK Center and Library, and the Auburn Avenue Library), which work to advance the contributions of the African Diaspora to the world’s identity.

Given the extensive involvement in Africana studies already in place at Georgia State (through scholarly research, transdisciplinary initiatives, national and international connections and the like) and the rich resources in the area, the center promises to become a leader and a catalyst in this field in the Southeast and the nation.