African Studies Program at Penn State

On Wednesday, April 16, the Department of African American Studies (AFAM) and the African Studies Program (AFR) came together for the first time to host a shared and deeply meaningful event: the 2025 AFAM/AFR Kente Celebration. This inaugural collaboration honored academic excellence, celebrated student and alumni achievements, and marked a powerful new tradition in the spirit of unity, scholarship, and cultural pride.

Held in front of a robust and enthusiastic crowd, the ceremony recognized the AFAM Department’s 2025 Outstanding Alumni Award Recipient, Dr. Chenjerai Kumanyika—a double Penn State graduate, critical media scholar, and award-winning journalist whose career exemplifies the transformative power of storytelling, scholarship, and social justice.

The event also celebrated student award winners from both programs, and featured student speakers who shared reflections on their time at Penn State, the influence of their studies, and the communities they’ve built within AFAM and AFR. Their words were heartfelt and powerful, capturing the spirit of resilience, growth, and pride that defines the Class of 2025.

Faculty from both departments were acknowledged for their guidance and impact, underscoring the value of mentorship and interdisciplinary connection in shaping students' academic journeys.

The evening culminated in a moving Kente Cloth donning ceremony, honoring the graduating seniors of the Class of 2025. The Kente Cloth, a symbol of African heritage, academic achievement, and community, was draped over each student’s shoulders in recognition of their accomplishments and the legacy they carry forward.

The overwhelming response from attendees—students, families, faculty, and community members—was one of joy, gratitude, and excitement about the future of this new tradition. This joint celebration not only highlighted the deep connections between African American and African Studies, but also laid the groundwork for continued collaboration, reflection, and celebration in the years to come.

As we honor the Class of 2025, we also look forward to building on this historic moment, strengthening the bonds between our programs, and continuing to uplift the voices, stories, and achievements of our shared community.

If you would like the full gallery of photos, please email Mariah Younker at mjy5150@psu.edu.

On March 25, Penn State hosted the second annual Global Black Communities and Mental Health event in honor of Osaze Osagie, a former student whose life was tragically lost during a mental health crisis involving local police in 2019.

The event, organized by the African Studies Program and the College of the Liberal Arts, continues a growing effort to raise awareness about mental health challenges affecting Black communities across the African Diaspora — and to drive forward people-centered, research-informed solutions.

This year’s program featured a deeply moving conversation between Kevin Richardson of the exonerated Central Park Five and moderator Savita Iyer of Penn State. Richardson shared his story of resilience in the face of wrongful incarceration and the emotional weight of racial injustice. He was joined by Tim Barksdale, past president of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association, who spoke to the urgent need for culturally competent mental health care.

At the heart of the series is the Osaze Osagie Memorial Lecture, designed to elevate critical voices working at the intersection of race and mental health.

🖤 “In remembering Osaze, we also recommit to action. We aim to connect scholarship with community and honor his life through lasting change.”

With Gratitude to Our Co-Sponsors

This important work would not be possible without the generous support of our co-sponsors:

• Africana Research Center

• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

• Bellisario College of Communications

• Black Emotions Advocate Team

• College of Arts and Architecture

• College of Earth and Mineral Sciences

• College of Information Sciences and Technology

• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

• Department of African American Studies

• Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity

• Paul Robeson Cultural Center

• Penn State Law

• Penn State University Libraries

• Queer and Trans People of Color

• Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing

• Student Black Caucus

Together, we continue the work of creating a more just, informed, and caring community.

On Friday, May 3, 2024, AFR celebrated its graduates and awardees in the annual donning of the Kente Cloth Ceremony.

Congratulations to all the 2024 graduates!

Majors:

• Talisha Brown
• Carley Anne Palkon
• Jaclyn Shwartz (AFR Marshal)
• Mackenzie DeArment
• Abdul Adl Balogun

Minors:

• Kathryn Lathrop

For more pictures click here

African Studies helps students develop their understanding of various aspects of the African continent, including topics such as Africa in World History, Africa and the Global Political Economy, Africa and International Relations, Africa and International Development, peace studies, and conflict resolution. We also have courses that emphasize the diversities of culture, race, ethnicity, and religion on the continent. The program utilizes historical, cultural, geographical, economic, and political approaches to equip students with skills to undertake research on issues pertinent to Africa and to prepare themselves for careers in a range of professions as well for post-graduate studies. Learn more about the African Studies major and minor: https://la.psu.edu/future-students/academics/degrees/african-studies/

Thank you to 2024 African Studies Major Mackenzie DeArment for filming and editing this video!

Please check out this video of our Conversation. It will be posted to the website of the University of Chicago Center in Paris. My advisors say it was so successful that we should consider a follow up. Please let me know what you think.

Thanking you both [Cécile B. Vigouroux and Sinfree B. Makoni] for your collaboration,

Salikoko S. Mufwene

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAkRpXAk-ZE

s-mufwene@uchicago.edu

The Edward Carson Waller Distinguished Service Professor of Linguistics and the College Professor, Department of Race, Diaspora, and Indigeneity Professor, Committee on Evolutionary Biology Professor, Committee on the Conceptual & Historical Studies of Science Professor, Committee on African Studies, University of Chicago 773-702-8531; FAX 773-834-0924é, Department of Linguistics 1115 East 58th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA

https://linguistics.uchicago.edu/salikoko-s-mufwene/http://mufwene.uchicago.edu/