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Outreach

Africana studies at the University of Notre Dame centers on Africans and the African Diaspora—the global dispersion of peoples of African descent—and examines their historical, sociological, political, and economic contexts around the world. Our teaching and research covers a wide range of topics including civil rights issues, justice, liberties, social rights, the dignity of the human person, and the Catholic Social Tradition.

Students And Community Member On St 

In an effort to engage all members of our community—faculty, staff, students, and local citizens—in these important conversations, the department hosts and co-sponsors a wide array of events, from lectures and reading groups to panel discussions and arts events.

We invite you to explore our upcoming events and read the latest news about our faculty and students.

Events

2023 Annual Rev. Bernie Clark, C.S.C., Lecture: Colson Whitehead

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Patricia George Decio Theatre, DeBartolo Performing Arts Center

The Center for Social Concerns welcomes two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Colson Whitehead, author of The Underground Railroad, The Nickel Boys, Harlem Shuffle, and Crook Manifesto. His reviews, essays, and fiction have appeared in a number of publications, such as the New York Times, The New Yorker, New York Magazine, Harper's and Granta. He has received a MacArthur Fellowship, A Guggenheim Fellowship, a Whiting Writers Award, the Dos Passos Prize, and a fellowship at the Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers.…

Read More about 2023 Annual Rev. Bernie Clark, C.S.C., Lecture: Colson Whitehead

News

Marisel Moreno’s book about undocumented migration wins Caribbean Studies Association’s most prestigious prize

Notre Dame professor Marisel Moreno’s book about the largely unknown and dangerous phenomenon of undocumented sea migration within the Caribbean region has won the Gordon K. and Sybil Lewis Book Award, the Caribbean Studies Association’s most prestigious prize. In Crossing Waters: Undocumented Migration in Hispanophone Caribbean and Latinx Literature & Art, Moreno seeks to lift the veil of invisibility around intra-Caribbean undocumented migration. “Being recognized by my field’s premier scholarly organization is one of the greatest honors of my life,” she said.

Read More about Marisel Moreno’s book about undocumented migration wins Caribbean Studies Association’s most prestigious prize

How Asha Barnes ’18 mapped out a career in urban planning using skills from anthropology and Africana studies

Maps don’t just show us where things are located — for urban planner Asha Barnes ’18, they also reveal stories about who we are and how we live our lives. Majoring in anthropology and Africana studies at Notre Dame allowed Barnes to explore humanity and identity using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. She’s now employed these research techniques in her career, continuing to give back by telling the stories of those who have been silenced. “It was through my education that I was able to put to words my own experience as an Afro-American woman living in this country,” said Barnes, now an associate planner at the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. “It was through my education at Notre Dame that I was able to learn the skills that I have now to collect and tell the stories of other people and advocate for communities that I’ve worked with.”

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Africana studies chair Mark Sanders honored as a member of the 2022 All-Faculty Team

Congratulations to Mark Sanders, professor of English and Africana studies and director of the Initiative on Race and Resilience, for being honored at Saturday's game as a member of the 2022 All-Faculty Team!

Read More about Africana studies chair Mark Sanders honored as a member of the 2022 All-Faculty Team