African Studies Institute - UGA

04/14/2026

This Wednesday, we’re diving deep into literature, trauma, and the politics of storytelling in Northern Nigeria.

Speaker: Aishat Babatunde

Topic: The Poetics of Trauma and the Politics of Northern Nigerian Literature as Minority Narrative

At first glance, Season of Crimson Blossoms tells a story of late-life awakening.
But what if that “awakening” is only possible because of a long, unspoken history of loss?
This talk pushes us to confront what is often buried:
👉 the trauma of the Jos crises
👉 the silences in literary form
👉 and the marginalization of Northern Nigerian voices in the canon

A powerful, necessary conversation on trauma, memory, and visibility in African literature.

📅 Wednesday, April 15, 2026
⏰ 12:00 – 12:55 PM (EST)
📍 Park Hall, Room 121, UGA
Bring your lunch. Bring your thoughts. Come ready to engage.

03/31/2026

APERO African Brown Bag Series

You are warmly invited to join us for this week’s APERO session featuring a screening of the award-winning documentary:

🎬 DAHOMEY (2024)

Dahomey follows the return of 26 royal artifacts from France to the Republic of Benin, offering a compelling exploration of cultural restitution, historical memory, and the enduring legacies of colonialism. Through a blend of reflection and dialogue, the film raises critical questions about identity, ownership, and the future of Africa’s heritage.

📅 Date: April 1st 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 12:55 PM (EST)
📍 Venue: Park Hall 121, University of Georgia
💻 Zoom: Link in Comment

🔑 Meeting ID: 984 3637 3113

This session is part of the APERO African Brown Bag Series, a platform dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue on Africa and the African diaspora.

Participants are welcome to bring their lunch as we engage in a brief discussion following the screening.

We encourage students, faculty, and members of the broader community to attend and take part in this timely and important conversation.

03/16/2026

You’re Invited! – APERO African Brown Bag Lecture Series

Join us for an engaging conversation on:

“Financial Performance of Establishment Practices in South African Plantation Forestry: Evidence from Eucalyptus and Pine System.”

🎤 Speakers: Dr. Tatenda Mapeto & Lelonathemba Ndaleni
📅 Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 – 12:55 PM (EST)
📍 Venue: Park Hall, Room 121, University of Georgia

Meeting ID: 984 3637 3113

Come learn, engage, and be part of the conversation on Africa and the African diaspora. 🌿🌍

03/02/2026

APERO Brown Bag Lecture Series – Join the Conversation!

This March, we’re spotlighting African Forests in a special two-part bi-weekly series — and you don’t want to miss the first session!

🎤 “African Forest: A Hidden Treasure on Earth.” with Dr. Ibraheem Oduola Lawal – a highly sought-after forestry professional and scholar-practitioner advancing forest science and sustainability across Africa.

🗓 Wednesday, March 4, 2026
⏰ 12:00 – 12:55 p.m. (ET)

📍 Park Hall, Room 121, UGA
💻 Join online: Zoom Meeting ID: 984 3637 3113

This dynamic one-hour hybrid lecture will explore the ecological, medicinal, and economic power of African forests in global sustainability conversations.

All are welcome — join us in person or online and be part of the dialogue! 🌱

02/16/2026

Can architecture speak? What stories do buildings tell about culture, philosophy, and identity?
Come explore how African thought systems are embedded within structural and architectural design.

Join us in person or via Zoom
Bring a friend. Bring your curiosity. Be part of the global conversation on Africa and the African Diaspora.

Topic:
“ATIWAYE–OJO, ATIWO–OORUN: Structural and Architectural Semiotic Metaphor Discourse Exemplified in Selected UCH Building Facilities”

🎤 Speaker: Dr. Mogbolahan Olalekan Oduola

📍 Venue: Park Hall, Room 121, UGA
📅 Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
⏰ Time:
• 12:00 – 12:55 p.m. (EST)
• 6:00 – 6:55 p.m. (WAT)

02/04/2026

Even After the end of the APERO session today, the discussing continued

Yeah that has become a norm around APERO sessions because of the quality presenters and discussants that gathers together bi-weekly to discuss these critical issues

Thank you Dr. Ramata Cisse

02/04/2026

“Asking the military to think about Economic Collaboration, is asking too much because they are not trained, educated, or configured to think that way. They only think “defense” and attack”

Some take home from today APERO lecture…

Did you miss it?

02/04/2026

02/02/2026

Join us for the next APERO African Brown Bag Lecture at the University of Georgia!

Dr. Ramata Sissoko Cisse will present on “The Alliance of Sahel States: Security, Governance, and the Place of Intellectuals.”

This timely talk explores security, governance, and the vital role of intellectuals in shaping the future of the Sahel.

📍 Park Hall, Room 121, UGA
🗓 Wednesday, February 4, 2026
⏰ 12:00–12:55 p.m. (ET)
💻 Also available on Zoom

All are welcome—please join us and invite your network!

01/21/2026

🎤 CALL FOR PRESENTERS – SPRING 2026 🌍

APERO: African Brown Bag Lecture Series

📍 University of Georgia | Hybrid (In-Person & Virtual)
The African Studies Institute (ASI), in collaboration with the Institute for African American Studies (IAAM), invites scholars, practitioners, creatives, and professionals to submit proposals for the APERO: African Brown Bag Lecture Series (Spring 2026).

APERO is an interdisciplinary forum advancing critical conversations on Africa and the African Diaspora, bringing together diverse voices to share research, ideas, and lived experiences in a dynamic hybrid format.

🔎 Who Can Present?
University-based scholars (UGA & non-UGA)
Graduate students & early-career researchers
Independent scholars
Policy experts & development practitioners
Artists, cultural producers & community leaders
Professionals working on Africa- or Diaspora-related issues

📚 Topics of Interest Include (but are not limited to):
Governance & public policy • History, literature & the arts • Migration & diaspora studies • Health & education • Agribusiness & rural development • Technology & digital cultures • Climate change & sustainability • Gender, youth & social movements
🗓 Spring 2026 Dates (Biweekly, Wednesdays | 12 noon –12:55pm ET)

📍 Park Hall, Room 121, UGA
🖥 Hybrid (In-Person & Virtual)
✨ 8 presentation slots available!
👉 Submit here:https://forms.gle/Mse6f6pqL2N5eMW36

📩 Questions? [email protected]

Have an idea still in development? We welcome you too!

11/17/2025

BICAID 2025 Day 1: Throwback!

Throwback to Nov. 5th! Day 1 of the Biennial International Conference on Africa and Its Diaspora (BICAID 2025) already feels like weeks ago, but we're still carrying the energy of that opening day with us.

The African Studies Institute (ASI) UGA was thrilled to kick off the Conference with arrivals and registration.
We loved welcoming everyone to Athens, Georgia. The day ended with a beautiful evening film screening that set the tone for what would become an inspiring week for everyone.

Great memories from 2025!