#buafricanstudiescenter

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Muslims Beyond the Arab World

Enjoy a reading and signing of Professor Ngom’s new book Thursday, October 20, 3:30-5pm at 232 Bay State Road, room 505. Refreshments will be served and books will be available for purchase.

Fallou Ngom's new book out this July entitled "Muslims Beyond The Arab World, The Odyssey of 'Ajami and the Muridiyya" demonstrates how 'Ajami materials serve as essential resources of indigenous religious, socio-cultural, and historical knowledge necessary for understanding the spread of Islam and its many adaptations in sub-Saharan Africa and the Muslim world at large. It explores the role that 'Ajami materials played in the rise of the Muridiyya as one of the most resilient, dynamic, and influential Sufi movements in sub-Saharan Africa. It uncovers the vital role Shaykh Ahmadu Bamba and the Ajami poets who followed him played in the formation and perpetuation of the current religious traditions of Muridiyya The text includes access to a companion website. Join us at the Center for Professor Ngom's book reading and signing this fall.

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Come out to the African Studies Center 5th floor 232 Bay State road tonight from 6.30-8.30pm for a night full of fun, African jeopardy, socialising, and food! Everybody’s welcome so bring a friend or two!! We can't wait to see you.

Love, Your BUASO

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There are a few seats left in AN 585 Advanced Readings in African Ethnography with Prof Shipton!

This seminar course examines classic and contemporary works on selected cultures and societies, representing several approaches and traditions, and several genres of writing including ethnography, memoir, and fiction.  Special attention is paid to rural Africa south of the Sahara, including areas where contemporary Islam, Christianity, and indigenous religions mix. Two areas are studied by the entire group (to ensure some depth), and each student chooses a third to contribute (together providing breadth). Among the central themes of the course this year are issues of myth, religion, and ritual; sex and gender relations; inter-ethnic relations; and order and rebellion. There are no prerequisites, but for students new to the discipline or region, suggestions for extra reading (non-required) will be offered. Collaborative work is encouraged. For anthropology students, the course counts toward the Area Studies requirement.  4 credits.

Not sure if this class is for you? Come meet the professor and other students at our Africa @BU Celebration Friday, September 9th at 232 Bay State Road, 5th Floor to eat, drink, and find out if it’s a good fit for you!

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Father Vincent Machozi Scholarship Established

To donate visit bu.edu/machozi or call [phone]

Father Vincent Machozi (STH '15) was a priest with the Augustinians of the Assumption (Assumptionists), and founder of the website Beni Lubero with the purpose of reporting on the atrocities committed by all sides in the turmoil in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On the night of March 20, 2016, Machozi was shot to death by DRC soldiers after he posted an online article denouncing the involvement of the Congolese and Rwandan presidents in the massacres of innocent civilians. Fr. Machozi was a beloved member of the African Studies Center where he worked tirelessly on outreach projects aimed at raising awareness of the the violence in the DRC and promoting peace. On April 26, 2016 the Boston University community celebrated the life of Fr.  Machozi. He was committed to working with Protestants and Catholics to promote peace and justice. Center Director Timothy Longman spoke at the memorial service and reminded the community that "the loss of Father Machozi leaves a deep wound, but his life and work inspired others who will step up to continue his ministry of fighting oppression and saving lives." In honor of the life and work of Fr. Machozi the Boston University School of Theology hopes to endow the Fr. Vincent Machozi Memorial Scholarship and Lecture on Building Justice and Peace. This scholarship will be offered to one or more students from Africa, attending Boston University's School of Theology, with a preference for those who are committed to study and service focused on justice and peace. This lecture will address global issues of justice and peace, with a particular focus on grassroots transformations of society. 

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We’re working on our greetings in preparation for the start of the school year and thought it would be fun to reproduce one of our favorite posters from the  1980′s. Can you identify every language on both editions?!

If you’re interested in an African language, Africa related classes or concentration minor, study abroad, scholarships, or just love to eat, drink, and network, come greet the academic year with us! Friday September 9th, 3-5pm. 232 Bay State Road, room 505!

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The End of an Epoch - Joanne Hart Retires

We can’t simply say that this is a change in an era, or a change in personnel. The African Studies Center has experienced an epochal shift with the retirement of longtime Program Administrator, Joanne Hart. Joanne served in that role for 41 years, working with five directors (John Harris, Allen Hoben, James McCann, James Pritchett, James McCann again, and finally Timothy Longman) and a whole host of students. In total, Joanne worked for Boston University for forty-six years. She recalled recently how nervous she was when she first started at African Studies, not really knowing what to expect and never having managed something called “a grant” before. Having been part of many successful grant applications since, she told the revelers at a retirement toast she will miss the people of the center most, her second home. Many alumni and current students fondly recalled that Joanne was especially appreciated as the go-to person whenever they needed information or help with just about anything. 
Her legacy will certainly live on, as James McCann commented, “Joanne organized and was key player in continuity in physical space --from 10 Lenox St to 125 BSR, to 270 BSR, to 232 BSR. What was remarkable in each move was the continuity in our spiritual translation to new space with pieces of art, symbols of our engagement with Africa (our famous askari whose mirror-eye gaze protects us all), our c. 1955 South African artist's pen and ink, our communal, commensal sites and like no other in the United States - shared by generations of African scholars, students, and visitors. It has been our home and Joanne was the force majeur that conveyed that spirit. It endures…” Already, in the few days since her retirement became official, I have fielded surprised inquiries from the delivery men and women, and numerous office personnel across campus. Joanne has been synonymous with the Center for so long there will be a long period of adjustment for everyone. 
In 2013, Joanne was awarded the John S. Perkins Award for Distinguished Service and was honored at an award ceremony and reception in the Metcalf Trustee Ballroom, 1 Silber Way. It was an elegant evening with numerous faculty, students and family members in attendance, celebrating Joanne’s important contributions toward the goals of Boston University. Due to the recentness of this celebration Joanne eschewed another for her retirement, but I am sure she would enjoy hearing from alumni, community members, past visiting scholars and faculty. Joanne can be reached at [email protected]. 


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BU Study Abroad in #Zanzibar finds and enjoys yet another Eid photo booth! #AfricanSummer #OurBUAfrica http://ift.tt/2aiHRbt