Symposium examines the state of Black Studies

October 18, 2005

Miami University Hamilton examines the state of Black Studies during a symposium Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 2pm to 4:30pm in the Harry T. Wilks Conference Center.

Dr. Molefi K. Asante is the keynote speaker for the symposium. The symposium also features four other Black Studies scholars who will give papers. The presenters are Dr. Katherine Bankole, associate professor of history at West Virginia University; Dr. Gwendolyn Etter-Lewis, professor of English, Women’s Studies and Interim Director of Black World Studies at Miami University; Dr. Reiland Rabaka, assistant professor in the Department of Ethnic Studies at the University of Colorado-Boulder; and Dr. Christel N. Temple, assistant professor in Africana Studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Miami Hamilton Associate Professor in Black World Studies and Sociology Dr. Mark Christian will serve as the moderator and describes the symposium as an opportunity for Miami University to engage with the major discipline responsible for multicultural perspectives in the United States academy.

According to Christian, “Black Studies has been established for almost 40 years, it is a varied and dynamic body of knowledge. Unfortunately still too many stereotypes exist about the discipline and the symposium aims to offer an opportunity to those unfamiliar with the field learn about the key issues facing its growth and development.”

He added, “The keynote speaker, Dr. Molefi K. Asante, is arguably the most prolific scholar in Black Studies, along with establishing the first doctoral program in African American Studies, he has written or edited up to 60 scholarly books. Along with Dr. Asante, there will be contributions from other senior and junior scholars in the field of Black Studies. All are welcome to join us for a stimulating discussion that is at the heart of multicultural learning."

The symposium is sponsored by the Black World Studies Program of Miami Hamilton, Miami Hamilton’s Office of Multicultural Services and The Center for American and World Cultures at Miami University.