Kenya & Tanzania

Youth Participation in Political Governance

Zoom registration for this event

An opportunity to learn and share about cultural, political, historical and socioeconomic developments and experiences on the African continent and in the diaspora. The event is open to everyone!

*This event is part of the 65th Anniversary of the MSU African Studies Center Celebration!

Celebrating 65 Years of the African Studies Center: A Legacy of Impact, A Future of Promise

In 2025, Michigan State Universitys African Studies Center (ASC) proudly marks 65 years of excellence as a global leader in African scholarship and partnership. Since its establishment in 1960, the ASC has been instrumental in advancing knowledge about Africas diverse cultures, histories, and pressing contemporary challenges. It has fostered equitable partnerships and transformative research in areas such as health, democracy, agriculture, and climate resilience. With a mission rooted in collaboration and innovation, the Center has left an indelible impact both on the African continent and the global community. To launch this momentous anniversary, the African Studies Center presents the panel discussion 65 Years in Reflection: A Panel Tracing the History and Impact of MSU African Studies Center. This event will explore the Centers rich history and transformative contributions through the reflections of distinguished scholars and leaders.

Dr. David Wiley, former ASC Director and Emeritus Professor of Sociology, will recount the Center’s foundational history, highlighting its early struggles, triumphs, and enduring role in shaping African scholarship. 

Dr. Carl Liedholm, Emeritus Professor, will provide a firsthand account of MSUs pivotal collaboration in establishing the University of Nigeria at Nsukka, a cornerstone of MSUs engagement with Africa. 

Representing UNN, Dr. Anthonia Ifeyinwa Achike, Professor of Agricultural Economics, will share insights into the evolution, impact, and future prospects of this transformative partnership.

Dr. John B. Kaneene, University Distinguished Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health, will discuss MSUs contributions to scientific advancements in Africa, encompassing biomedical sciences, agriculture, and other STEM fields. 

Moderating this engaging panel will be Dr. Walter Hawthorne, Professor of African and Digital History and Director of Enslaved.org, who will guide a dynamic discussion reflecting on the legacy and future of the African Studies Center.

Zoom Registration for Hybrid

*This event is part of the 65th Anniversary of the MSU African Studies Center Celebration!

Zoom registration for this event

Eye on Africa is a weekly seminar series that provides scholars, policy-makers, applied practitioners, students, and the interested public with cutting-edge and highly-contextualized knowledge about the African continent. Emerging and established scholars share the results of their recent research, with time for audience questions and comments. The series draws on a diverse group of presenters to create an inclusive, holistic view of African history, social movements, the economy, and politics.

*This event is part of the 65th Anniversary of the MSU African Studies Center Celebration!

Zoom registration for this event 

Eye on Africa is a weekly seminar series that provides scholars, policy-makers, applied practitioners, students, and the interested public with cutting-edge and highly-contextualized knowledge about the African continent. Emerging and established scholars share the results of their recent research, with time for audience questions and comments. The series draws on a diverse group of presenters to create an inclusive, holistic view of African history, social movements, the economy, and politics.

*This event is part of the 65th Anniversary of the MSU African Studies Center Celebration!

We Were Here: The Untold Story of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe with director Fred Kudjo Kuworno.

We Were Here - The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe, exhibited in the Central Pavilion directed by Adriano Pedrosa at the 60th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale, sheds light on the overlooked presence of African and Black individuals in Renaissance Europe, highlighting their depiction in masterpieces by some of the eras most celebrated artists. How did they come to Europe? Why were they portrayed? Were they truly all servants or slaves? If the Black faces portrayed in these Renaissance masterpieces could speak, what would they tell us? More Info: https://www.wewereherethefilm.com

Co-sponsors are the History Department, the African-American and African Studies Department, the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, and the African Studies Center.

*This event is part of the 65th Anniversary of the MSU African Studies Center Celebration!

Zoom registration for this event

Eye on Africa is a weekly seminar series that provides scholars, policy-makers, applied practitioners, students, and the interested public with cutting-edge and highly-contextualized knowledge about the African continent. Emerging and established scholars share the results of their recent research, with time for audience questions and comments. The series draws on a diverse group of presenters to create an inclusive, holistic view of African history, social movements, the economy, and politics.

*This event is part of the 65th Anniversary of the MSU African Studies Center Celebration!

Rwanda

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS): Model for Scientific Innovation

Zoom registration for this event

An opportunity to learn and share about cultural, political, historical and socioeconomic developments and experiences on the African continent and in the diaspora. The event is open to everyone!

*This event is part of the 65th Anniversary of the MSU African Studies Center Celebration!

African Graduate Student Association Student-Alumni Town Hall 

*This event is part of the 65th Anniversary of the MSU African Studies Center Celebration!

Zoom registration for this event 

Eye on Africa is a weekly seminar series that provides scholars, policy-makers, applied practitioners, students, and the interested public with cutting-edge and highly-contextualized knowledge about the African continent. Emerging and established scholars share the results of their recent research, with time for audience questions and comments. The series draws on a diverse group of presenters to create an inclusive, holistic view of African history, social movements, the economy, and politics.

*This event is part of the 65th Anniversary of the MSU African Studies Center Celebration!

Zoom registration for this event

Eye on Africa is a weekly seminar series that provides scholars, policy-makers, applied practitioners, students, and the interested public with cutting-edge and highly-contextualized knowledge about the African continent. Emerging and established scholars share the results of their recent research, with time for audience questions and comments. The series draws on a diverse group of presenters to create an inclusive, holistic view of African history, social movements, the economy, and politics.

*This event is part of the 65th Anniversary of the MSU African Studies Center Celebration!