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Our Mission:
The African American Studies Program offers Western Kentucky University an enlarged cultural perspective and increased awareness of the African American experience. The program fosters an understanding of African American culture by: 1) Offering students an African American Studies Minor. Viewed from the cross-disiplinary perspective, the Minor provides a comprehensive and honest picture of the life and instiutions of American people of African ancestry, and of their role in the development of the United States. 2) Sponsoring workshops, open dialogues and activities throughout the academic year that showcase the Afrocentric perspective highlighting the accomplishments of African Americans.
We want you!
Western Kentucky University is commited to having a culturally diverse campus community. Not only do our official documents contain such a committment, but our actions speak even louder. We are hopeful that you will join us at this great university. Plan a campus visit and speak with our students. You will soon discover that this is an excellent place for your higher education. We look forward to seeing you on the "Hill"!
The African American Experience
When I was growing up during the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements, I can remember my Daddy and elders of the community telling me “Don’t forget your roots; don’t forget where you came from”. And not forgetting our history is exactly the reason we developed the African American Studies program. This program flows from the belief that the story told regarding African Americans is biased and must be reexamined from the inside, from the standpoint of African people being active agents in the telling of their own history, and not as an addendum on the fringes of European history.
The program examines seven basic subject areas: African American history, religion, social organization, politics, economics, creative production (Black art, music and literature) and psychology. Through an examination of these broad areas, the student can begin an understanding and appreciation of the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the African American experience.
Come join us as we explore the history of African Americans. students in AFAM 190 retraced the steps of run-away slaves with a trip to the Underground Railroad in Ripley, Ohio and to the Freedom Museum in Cincinnati.
During the month of February ’08, WKU faculty and students presented the first ever Turkish confrence
on The Africana Experience that studied Afro-Turks as part of the African diaspora. So set your sites for Europe with study abroad opportunities to study in Ismir and Ankura, Turkey.
GET READY FOR A FASCINATING JOURNEY!!
Summer of 2008 – The African American Studies Program is planning a trip to Ghana next summer. Tentative dates are being planned for three weeks in May.
For more information, contact Dr. Saundra Ardrey.
Contact us | View site map | WKU Home page
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