Category: Events

Nov 19, 2012

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ACAS meetings at African Studies Association (ASA) conference – November 2012

2012 marks the 35th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Concerned Africa Scholars! ACAS is holding a strategic planning session on Wednesday, November 28 at 8:30-10:30 pm in Room 413 of the Marriott Philadelphia Downtown Hotel in Philadelphia, in conjunction with the African Studies Association (ASA) annual meeting. The ACAS annual business meeting is on Thursday, November 29 at 8:30 pm in Salon K.

ACAS and the ASA Current Issues Committee are co-sponsoring a Roundtable on Friday, November 30 at 2:30: The 2012 American Elections and their Implications for U.S.-Africa Policy, chaired by Elizabeth Schmidt

ACAS is sponsoring three panels:
IX-E-6 (Sat 8:30 am) Research Frontiers: Analyzing African Land Grabs, with Carol Thompson as Chair and Jeanne Koopman as Discussant

XI-N-27 (Sat 2:30 pm) Militarizing Africa: Historical Perspectives (Part I), Chaired by David Wiley

XII-N-28 (Sat 4:30 pm) Militarizing Africa: African Studies, AFRICOM, & Current US Security-Focused Foreign Policy (Part II), Chaired by David Wiley

Apr 01, 2010

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Conference on Zimbabwe: Dare to Shape the Future (April 15-16, 2010)

Dare to Shape the Future:
April 15-16, 2010
Washington DC Kellogg Conference Hotel
800 Florida Ave N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20002-3695
April 15-16, 2010

Despite continuing tensions, Zimbabwe’s year long Inclusive Government has resulted in significant economic and political changes giving great relief to long suffering Zimbabweans. Considerable as these changes are, a lot remains to be done for Zimbabwe to fully transition to a peaceful and democratic order, particularly in terms of critical political reforms and national healing. In addition, to institutionalize irreversible political reforms, key questions must be addressed in relation to how Zimbabwe’s economy long ravaged by Structural Adjustment Programs and corruption, among other factors, can be reconstructed in the interest of ordinary people.

The conference theme, ‘Dare to Shape the Future’ emphasizes thinking outside the box and encourages participants to creatively imagine and help construct a different future for Zimbabwe, moving away from destructive polarization and conflict to justice, healing and reconciliation. And from repression, exploitation and poverty to freedom, equity and development. The conference will take place within the context of the yearlong existence of the Inclusive Government in Zimbabwe and will coincide with Zimbabwe’s 30th independence anniversary. In line with the theme of daring to shape the future – the conference will pioneer a culture of inclusive dialogue among a diverse range of stakeholders of different opinions and political stripes to help forge a new culture of tolerance. Speakers from Zimbabwe will help bring a better understanding of civil society struggles on the ground and how the solidarity community can help and will help shape people centered U.S. policies at a crucial time in Zimbabwe’s history.

Read More here:
http://www.africaaction.org/conference-home.html

Oct 05, 2009

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Zimbabwe: Healing, Reconciliation and Reconstruction (Symposium)

The Africa Initiative and Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University are pleased to announce a two-day symposium on October 29 and 30, on the theme of healing, reconciliation and reconstruction in Zimbabwe. This meeting brings together key figures from Africa and the United States to deliberate on the question of Zimbabwe’s future, the role of healing in socio-political reconstruction, and the role of democratic institutions and an informed citizenry in a peace process that goes beyond partisan proclivities.

Conference participants will include:
* MP Sekai Holland, Zimbabwean Minister for Healing and National Cohesion
* Gertrude Hambira, General Agriculture And Plantation Workers Union Of Zimbabwe (GAPWUZ) ,
* Brian Raftopoulos, Distinguished historian, author of Becoming Zimbabwe: A History of Zimbabwe from the pre-colonial period to 2008, Weaver Press, Harare, 2009
* Machivenyika Mapuranga , Zimbabwean ambassador to the United States
* Elinor Sisulu, author of Walter and Albertina Sisulu: In Our Lifetime
* Mmatshilo Motsei, Author, The Kanga and the Kangaroo Court: Reflections of the Rape Trial of Jacob Zuma,
* Tawanda Mutasah, Lawyer, Human Rights activist
* Esau Mavindidze, Zimbabwean activist and organizer
* Horace Campbell, author, Reclaiming Zimbabwe: the Exhaustion of the patriarchal Model of Liberation

At the Africa Initiative, we are aware that under the articles of the Global Political Agreement, the members of both ZANU-PF and MDC are committed to promoting equality, national healing, cohesion and unity. It is challenging to work towards healing in a way that does not begin with a desire for revenge. In the words of Albert Einstein, “You cannot solve a problem by using the mindset that caused the problem in the first place.” Thus, we believe that healing and reconciliation are processes (not events), that arise out of new ways of societal thinking. While a legal basis for healing is impossible, a legal framework to protect people and institutions against future criminal acts and impunity is possible.

Consistent with Syracuse University’s on-going commitment to Scholarship in Action, we invite all members of the general public, the local community, and university students to attend this event. The Symposium will take place at the Herg Auditorium, on the Campus of Syracuse University in New York. It is co-sponsored by the Africa Initiative, Newhouse School of Public Communications, and the Department of African Studies, and Pan African Committee of New York

For further information contact
Africa Initiative
Syracuse University
orwamike@yahoo.com
nyasa09@syr.edu

Apr 20, 2009

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The Future of the South African Dream: Howard University, April 28

Africa Action, The Department of African Studies, Howard University, Department of Sociology, George Washington University, and TransAfrica Forum

PRESENTS

The Future of the South African Dream: Thabo Mbeki, Jacob Zuma and the April 2009 Elections

Presentation and discussion featuring:

Mark Gevisser
One of South Africa’s foremost journalists. His latest book, Thabo Mbeki: the Dream Deferred, won the Sunday Times Alan Paton award in 2008. Palgrave Macmillan is publishing the American edition, which will be on sale at the discussion.

Sean Jacobs
Teaches African Studies and Communication Studies at the University of Michigan. He is a frequent commentator on South African affairs and is co-editor of Thabo Mbeki’s World: The Politics and Ideology of the South African President (2002).

Dr Ronald Walters
Professor of government and politics and director of the African American Leadership Institute at the University of Maryland. He is one of the most prominent analysts on African American politics. He has a long record of involvement in South African issues, dating back to his activism in the anti-apartheid movement. Among his books are Pan Africanism in the African Diaspora (1993) and The Price of Reconciliation (2008).

Tuesday, April 28 2009

6:30PM – 8:30 PM

At Howard University, Ralph Bunche International Affairs Center
2218 Sixth Street NW. Washington, DC. 20059

Admission free – All are welcome!

Please confirm your attendance at outreach@africaaction.org; 2025467961

Mar 18, 2009

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Africom Awareness Event in Berkeley

Association of Concerned, Africa Scholars (ACAS) & Priority Africa Network Present:

STOP AFRICOM
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
6:00 – 8:00 pm
At La Pena Cultural Center
3105 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley

The new U.S. Military Command for Africa threatens to escalate the militarization of all aspects of U.S. policy towards Africa. Come learn what the Africa Command is all about, what’s at stake, and how we can stop it.
Multimedia presentations and speakers:

Daniel Volman, Director African Security Research Project (Washington D.C.)
&
Dr. Amina Mama, Nigerian Distinguished Professor of Ethnic Studies Mills College

Light snacks and refreshments available. This is a free event, open to the public.

Sponsoring organizations: Africa Action, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI), Black Women Stirring the Waters, Global Exchange, Justice In Nigeria Now (JINN), KPFA Radio’s Africa Today, War Times, Women of Color Resource Center (WCRC), United for Peace & Justice (UFPJ) Bay Area, Vukani Mawethu Choir

*For tabling opportunities, contact Priority Africa Network at Tel: (510) 238 8080 ext. 309 or email us at PriorityAfrica@yahoo.com www.PriorityAfrica.org

Sep 02, 2008

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ACAS events at 2008 African Studies Annual Meeting

ACAS has four roundtables scheduled for the African Studies Association 2008 Annual Meeting with the theme “Knowledge of Africa: The Next Fifty Years” scheduled for November 13-16, 2008, in Chicago.

Please join us for the following events:

Membership meeting, Friday, Nov 14, 7pm, Meeting Room Parlor E
Agenda:
-Welcome and Announcements (Kris)
–Bud Day Award Chair (Betsy)
-Bud Day Award Announcement (Frank and Don)
-Launch new Virtual Think Tank (Sean)

Open meeting: find out how you can get involved:
Saturday, 4:30-6pm
American Friends Service Committee
c/o Grace Episcopal Church
637 S. Dearborn between Harrison and Polk Streets
(near the conference hotel)

ACAS and Review of African Political Economy (ROAPE) 30th Anniversary Party at:
American Friends Service Committee
c/o Grace Episcopal Church
637 S. Dearborn between Harrison and Polk Streets
(near the conference hotel)
Saturday, 6-9pm
*Pan-African dinner and drinks will be served

Thursday, 12:45 P.M. – 2:45 P.M.
Roundtable: ACAS – Thirty Years of Knowledge for Political Action: Historical Reflections
Chaired by David S. Wiley (Michigan State). Panelists include Carol B Thompson (Northern Arizona)

Friday, 10:15 A.M. – 12:15 P.M.
Roundtable: Zimbabwe 2008: What is to be done?
Chaired by Sean H Jacobs (Michigan, Ann Arbor) and panelists Timothy L Scarnecchia (Kent State), Terry Barnes (Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) and Christopher J Lee (North Carolina at Chapel Hill).

Friday, 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.
Roundtable: Africom and the Militarization of Africa
Chaired by Daniel H Volman, African Security Research Project. Panelists include Jennifer Davis (Independent Scholar), Horace Campbell (Syracuse U.) and Jesse Benjamin (Kennesaw St.)

Saturday, 9:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
Roundtable: ‘Fighting Words’: Art, Politics, and Social Movements in Africa
Chaired by Kristin A Peterson (Irvine) and panelists Ogaga Ifowodo (Cornell), Gabeba Baderoon (Penn State), Grant Farred (Cornell) and Pius Adesanmi (Carleton).

Nov 20, 2007

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No Easy Victories party

nullBook Party for No Easy Victories: African Liberation and American Activists over a Half Century, 1950-2000.

When: Saturday, October 20, 2007 from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm., during the 50th anniversary meeting of African Studies Association

Where: McGee’s Pub, 240 West 55th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue, 3 blocks north on Broadway from Sheraton Towers)

What: Drinks, light snacks, and informal conversation

Sponsored by: Africa World Press, Solidarity Research and Writing LLC, Association of Concerned Africa Scholars, and AfricaFocus Bulletin

Who: Editors, writers, and activists featured in No Easy Victories. Activists and friends living in or visiting New York or attending the African Studies Association annual meeting.