Are you a member of The University of Toledo community? Do you have any intellectual or professional interest in African affairs?
If so, the UT Africana Studies Program will be holding regular forums to discuss various topics and issues related to African affairs.
“We want to end the experience where those interested in Africa at UT work in isolation,” said Dr. Rubin Patterson, interim director of the Africana Studies Program and professor of sociology. “The forums will establish more of a critical mass whereby the scholarly impacts of our works can be enhanced above and beyond individuals working in isolation.”
The initial meeting, which will be scheduled between Monday, March 29, and Friday, April 2, will serve as a way to identify, bring together and support UT students, faculty and staff members whose work involves Africa.
Those interested in attending are asked to send days/times when they would be able to meet next week to tamara.golkiewicz@utoledo.edu.
Ultimately, the forums will help students become future professionals who specialize in various countries, regions and issues in Africa.
“Many major institutions are in constant need of individuals with both a broad knowledge of Africa and some specific expertise on diverse aspects within a given country or region,” Patterson said. “Unfortunately, not many UT students have been prepared to work at institutions with respect to Africa. The forums, under the auspices of Africana studies, seek to alter this situation.”
In addition to forums, the Africana Studies Program will host brown-bag discussions, which will include speakers on various topics concerning Africa.
For more information on these free, public events, contact tamara.golkiewicz@utoledo.edu.
