CENTER FOR STUDIES ON AFRICA AND ITS DIASPORA
GEORGIA STATE DAY 2025 & BEYOND
Support CSAD
Every day, Georgia State University students achieve remarkable things — in the classroom and beyond — exploring, discovering, creating and so much more. Let’s give them a hand beyond Georgia State Day 2025 to support programs that support them, create opportunities, and open doors to success. Help GSU students thrive and reach their full potential.
Center for Studies on Africa and Its Diaspora (CSAD) at Georgia State University invites you to support our center and our students. Your generous donations will directly enhance CSAD's mission to foster a dynamic exchange of cultural, scientific, economic, policy, and humanities knowledge among communities, partners, and the university.
Contributions will support initiatives such as the annual Global Read-A-Thon, which celebrates literature from Africa and its diaspora, focusing on themes like roots and migration journeys that have shaped histories and cultures worldwide. Additionally, your support aids in providing research and professionalization opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, promoting academic growth and engagement.
By donating to CSAD, you play a pivotal role in advancing research, dialogue, and understanding of the African diaspora's contributions globally. Together, we can build a more just and equitable society. To make your contribution, please click the button below.
Even though Georgia State Day only comes once a year, the need to support our students is ongoing. Your continued support — whether today, tomorrow, or throughout the year — helps sustain the momentum and impact of CSAD’s important work. Every gift makes a difference, and it’s never too late to continue to a brighter future.
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CSAD Global Read-A-Thon
Over the past two years, CSAD has hosted an annual virtual Black History Month Read-a-Thon, celebrating African and African diaspora literature. This event has gained international partnerships, including with the U.S. Embassy in Banjul, The Gambia, and Georgia Public Television (GPB). The 2025 theme, “Roots: The Journey of Us,” aligns with GPB’s “The Great Migration” theme, highlighting narratives of journeys across Africa and the 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.
A Lens Across The World: News & Current Events
Contact Us
Center for Studies on Africa and Its Diaspora
CSAD Mailing address:
College of Arts & Sciences
P.O. Box 4038
Atlanta, GA 30302-4038