The Office of Africana Studies is a division within the college of humanities and social sciences.
The Office of Africana Studies offers a program wherein students can get in depth understanding of the African-centric perspective. Students would specifically look at the economies, history, culture, education, politics, philosophies, aspirations, and achievements of peoples of African descent in Africa, the Americas, the Caribbean and elsewhere. This program explores the experiences of African peoples all over the globe. Dr. James Conyer is the Director for the Office of Africana Studies.
The 18 credit academic minor program has some very specific admission requirements. In addition to the university's admission requirements, students must complete an application; go through advisement and a departmental interview. To fulfill the 18 credit requirement for the collateral, students take nine credits from two individual areas. These courses, and their content, highlight the many ways in which African culture presents itself. The program is available to be taken in conjunction with any other major academic curriculum.
When placed within an educational environment, offices such as Office of Africana Studies are critical. Comprehensive academic content that reflects the whole of society is not only thorough and accurate but implausibly important.
Conyers aptly states, “Our history must be used every day there must be an understanding of it.”
When people feel connected to something, they are consequently more interested and invested. That in itself explains the numerous clubs, organizations, classes, and majors available at almost every university. At Kean University, the program within Africana Studies is substantially beneficial to not only to African American students but to educators, counselors, social workers, managers, business owners and many other professions.
At present, the office of Africana Studies has been hosting various events all throughout the month in order to celebrate African American History Month. Every year, February comes around and the public is encompassed with news of African History Month. For 28 days the world shifts its focus to celebrating the African culture. While seemingly inapt, the purpose is not to condense the entirety of African history into 4 short weeks, however to highlight the significance and impact of the African presence in America.
James Conyers states, “Let me quantify it, in and of itself it (AHM) means nothing but for most African centered scholars African History Month can be used as avehicle to bring consciousness and awareness among African people first and foremost. But if it doesn’t do something to liberate a people…it’s useless”
Every demographic is important and deserves acknowledgment, understanding and celebration. Each has its own role in the American and human experience. African heritage in particular is deeply rooted within the fabric of American history; the two are essentially indivisible. The biography of America will always in some way or another reflect the African experience.
Students interested in taking part should contact the Office of Africana Studies located in Hutchinson room 103 or by emailingAfricanastudies@kean.edu or by calling (908) 737-3915 for advisement.
