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Africana Studies

Africana Studies

The Africana Studies Minor at USI is committed to the study of the past, present, and future experiences and perspectives of Africans, African Americans, and peoples of African descent. This program takes an interdisciplinary approach to explore the diversity of peoples and cultures that stems from these three perspectives.

The more you know of your history, the more liberated you are. - Maya Angelou

Program Objectives

This interdisciplinary program concentrates on the study of Africans, African Americans, and peoples of the African Diaspora. Students are encouraged to explore questions and issues surrounding ability, class, culture, ethnicity, gender, identity, race, and sexuality, from diverse viewpoints. Students are required to think critically and conduct research, as they prepare to be mindful, analytical, and engaged members of the global community.

Africana Studies Minor (18 hours) | Checksheet

Download our program info sheet 

My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together. - Desmond Tutu

Africana Studies and Your Career

The Africana Studies minor builds on and strengthens students’ critical thinking, speaking, writing, and organizational skills that employers highly value and seek. According to a recent survey conducted through the Association of American Colleges and Universities, areas in which graduates were least prepared, in terms of functioning in their careers, ranged from global knowledge, self-direction, adaptability, ethical judgment, and self-knowledge to such skills as writing, critical thinking, oral communication, and intercultural sensitivity.  Africana Studies prepares students in all of these areas.  Furthermore, students who specifically minored or majored in ethnic studies found jobs that typically ranged from $38,950 to $148,640 in yearly compensation. Read more...

Mandela Social Justice Day ​

Nelson Mandela Social Justice Celebration Commitee

The mission of the Nelson Mandela Social Justice Day and Speaker Series is to raise dialogue at USI around current issues of human and civil rights, public service, and activism through diverse, dynamic, nationally, and internationally known public intellectuals and academics. Find out more.

Give light, and people will find the way. -Ella Baker

Academic Achievement Award in Africana Studies 

This award is given to a senior Africana Studies minor with a record of academic excellence and a commitment to co-curricular activities, community service, and/or research projects connected with Africana Studies

Please Help Us to Congratulate: Percionna Hale

For More Information About Africana Studies

Dr. Denise Lynn

Director of Africana Studies Program
Liberal Arts Center
Room: 3033
812-465-1095
dmlynn1@usi.edu