new website design

On August 31 a moderately redesigned department website was launched. Over the 2007-2008 academic year a major redesign will be conducted. Let us know your ideas!

50 important African artists

The Utne Reader has compiled a list of 50 top African artists.

all instructor meeting (reminder)

Everyone who is teaching an AA&AS class during the 2007-2008 year should attend the all instructor meeting on Wednesday, August 29, 2007, 3:30-4:30 in the Southall Library (815 Social Sciences). We will review information related to creating powerful learning experiences for students.

Afrifest

The first Afrifest was held August 18-19, 2007. Hopefully it will be back next year!

Mike Vick

The president of the Atlanta NAACP believes that NFL quarterback Michael Vick should be allowed to return to the NFL after his release from prison for participating in a dogfighting operation. What do you think?

K-12 outreach

CLA's Spring 2007 Reach magazine features a story about AA&AS students and faculty involved in K-12 outreach.

Zakes Mda reading

At 7:00 PM on Tuesday, November 6, 2007, South African author Zakes Mda will read from his new book Cion. This event will take place in the Target Performance Hall of the Loft Literary Center.

all instructor meeting

Everyone who is teaching an AA&AS class during the 2007-2008 year should attend the all instructor meeting on Wednesday, August 29, 2007, 3:30-4:30 in the Southall Library (815 Social Sciences). We will review information related to creating powerful learning experiences for students.

MOAD in San Francisco

If ever in San Francisco, make a plan to visit the Museum of the African Diaspora.

affirmative action and education

On August 13, 2007 there was an interesting article in InsideHigherEd.com about the state of affirmative action and education. Check it out!

Walt Jacobs

Hello everyone, I'm Walt Jacobs, the interim chair of the department for 2007-2008. I'll try to post at least one entry per week to this blog that may be of interest to the AA&AS community: information about the department, campus events, news about African and African American peoples and organizations, etc. Please contact me with any ideas and comments! My email address is wrjacobs@umn.edu and my office phone number is 612.624.8012.

new blog

Welcome to the chair's blog for the Department of African American and African Studies at the University of Minnesota! The chair of the department will post information that may be of interest to our community.