PURPOSE
Mission
Georgia State University’s Center for Studies on Africa and its Diaspora (CSAD) serves as a hub for fostering a dynamic exchange of cultural, scientific, economic, policy and humanities knowledge between communities, partners, and Georgia State University.
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.
Building on the early framework for an Africana Studies Center as conceptualized by Gladys Francis, Ph.D., Elizabeth West, Ph.D., Lia Bascomb, Ph.D., and Jackie Slaton, M.P.H., at Georgia State University, the Center for Studies on Africa and its Diaspora (The Center) promises to become a leader and a catalyst for scholarly research, transdisciplinary initiatives, and national and international connections in the southeast and the nation as a whole.
The Center currently:
- Fosters research and expressive work.
- Supports innovative scholarships and sponsors fellowships.
- Facilitates critical and solution-oriented dialogue.
- Hosts scholars and advance policy contributions targeting issues of the African diaspora across the university and beyond.
- Convenes partners and disseminate proceedings through exhibits, symposia, lectures, conferences, performances, curation, publications, and other programming in alignment with its mission.
- Engages community and global partnerships to facilitate initiatives on the history and cultural contributions of the African diaspora globally
- Serves as a hub for promoting the discipline of Africana Studies locally, regionally, and nationally while positioning Georgia State University’s leadership in the related global dialogue.
Vision
The Center for Studies on Africa and its Diaspora (CSAD) enhances global comprehension of the resilience exhibited by individuals from Africa and the African diaspora. It focuses on their continuous contributions to addressing contemporary issues with global ramifications.
Situated within the College of Arts and Science, the Center actively supports academic initiatives, artistic endeavors, and public programming. These activities are guided by a transdisciplinary framework, exploring the engagements, worldviews, and influences of African peoples on global social, economic, health, and political systems.
In its role, the Center acts as a leader and catalyst for discussions on diversity and equity. It works towards advancing Georgia State University's vision in research, teaching, and outreach. Through these efforts, the Center positively influences present and future generations. It empowers individuals of the African diaspora and scholars in African diasporic studies to become equitable partners in constructing a more just and principled global society.
Rationale
- The Center recognizes an incomplete narrative regarding the diverse populations of the African Diaspora despite historical, national, and international discussions on inequities and disparities.
- Through research, academic initiatives, and public programming, the Center explores the profound ways in which the experiences and influences of continental and diasporic African peoples resonate globally and throughout history.
- The Center invites and supports scholars and stakeholders to enhance understanding and interpretation of diversity within and across the Diaspora. Dialogue, research, dissemination, and community outreach contribute to considering the rich history, cultures, and experiences of the Diaspora.
- Informed by Africana Studies and a commitment to multidisciplinary collaborations, the Center builds on the historical legacy of the local community to foster innovative and intellectual engagement with African diasporic communities.
- The Center demonstrates a strong commitment to diversity and related programs within the College of Arts & Sciences and at Georgia State University. Its work influences present and future generations of scholars, practitioners, and civil society.
Contact Us
Center for Studies on Africa and Its Diaspora
Mailing address:
College of Arts & Sciences
P.O. Box 4038
Atlanta, GA 30302-4038