Pitt Center for African Studies

How can AI expand access to sexual and reproductive health education for adolescents in Ghana? This Friday, we're finding out.

Join Dr. Martina Anto-Ocrah of University of Pittsburgh School of Education & Fulbright Specialist, as she hosts Dr. Gifty Merdiemah, Co-Principal Investigator of a Google-funded AI for Social Good project based at the University of Ghana Medical Centre.

Dr. Merdiemah will share how her team is using AI-enabled tools to deliver culturally grounded, equitable sexual and reproductive health information to young people, built through deep stakeholder engagement and cross-sector collaboration.

Virtual | Zoom | Friday, June 26 | 12:00 PM EDT
https://pitt.zoom.us/j/2129571412

What a week it has been. On Saturday, May 9, the Center for African Studies held its Re-imagining the Future of African Studies in Global Contexts Workshop, part of PittGlobal at the University of Pittsburgh's The Future(s) of International and Area Studies conference (May 8-10). Scholars and practitioners gathered in person and virtually to chart a path forward for African Studies amid shifting geopolitical, intellectual, and technological landscapes.

The conversation made one thing clear: this field is not only enduring, it is evolving. Despite ongoing funding challenges, the work of engaging deeply with Africa's history, cultures, and people will continue, through student hubs, cross-disciplinary partnerships, and new forms of community.

A heartfelt thank you to facilitator and CAS Director Assan Sarr, to panelists Alix Saba (African Studies Association), Elizabeth Schmidt (Loyola University Maryland, ASA Past President 2024-2025), Ousman Kobo (Ohio State), and Glenn Adams (University of Kansas), and to the conference committee, all attendees, volunteers, and sponsors for making the event a success. We look forward to putting these conversations into action.

On Thursday, April 16, our Critical Research on Africa Series continued with an outstanding presentation by Dr. Seth Asare Okyere of Urban Studies on "In Situ Marginalization: The Urban Wetland-livelihood (dis)assemblage in Coastal Ghana."

Watch the recording on Youtube: https://youtu.be/_-Y_-IFhjFg

Thank you to everyone who joined in person and virtually, and to the University of Pittsburgh School of Education for their support.

Congratulations to all graduating students! Wear your Kente Stole and Tassel with pride. Your hard work and dedication have brought you to this milestone, and the Center for African Studies could not be prouder.

Join us TODAY at the UCIS Graduation Ceremony and Reception (April 30, 11:00 AM, Charity Randall Theater) or TOMORROW at the CAS Graduation Presentations (May 1, 9:30 AM, 4165 Posvar Hall).

Celebrate with us, you have earned it!

Register by May 1 to participate in our hybrid workshop "Re-imagining the Future of African Studies in Global Contexts," on Saturday, May 9 from 3 to 4:30 PM

Part of The Future(s) of International and Area Studies Conference (May 8-10), this workshop brings together scholars and practitioners to develop forward-looking strategies for reimagining African Studies as a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and globally engaged field.

Facilitated by Assan Sarr, Director of CAS, with panelists Alix Saba - Executive Director at African Studies Association, Elizabeth Schmidt - Professor Emeritus of History Layola University Maryland, Ousman Kobo - Director Center for African Studies Ohio State University, and Glenn Adams - Director Kansas African Studies Center University of Kansas.

Registration is free for all Pitt students, staff, and faculty.

Register: https://www.global.pitt.edu/future-international-area-studies-conference/registration

On April 13, our FLTA Higgin Joseph represented CAS beautifully at Community College of Beaver County, presenting "Africa Beyond the Media's Lens," where she explored Kenyan cultural traditions, modern dance, and Swahili phrases to an enthusiastic audience.

Thank you to the Global Connections Club for the warm welcome!

Water is essential to life. Yet for millions of people around the world, clean and safe water is out of reach.

This fall at Pitt, ANTH 1518 Anthropology of Water Security examines why. Through cultural, political, and biological lenses, you will explore the roots of water scarcity, unequal access, and injustice across the globe. This course asks not just how water crises happen, but who bears the cost and why.

Tue and Thu, 2:30 to 3:45 PM | Fall | Class 2815
Instructor: Dela Kuma | [email protected]

The end of the semester is almost here, and so is one of our favorite celebrations.

This Friday, May 1, 9:30 AM at 4165 Posvar Hall, join us to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating certificate students. Come be awed by their portfolio presentations, meet the students behind the work, and share in the moment with them. Parents, professors, friends, and all are welcome.

Refreshments will be provided.

Supported by the Department of Africana Studies.

Save the date and spread the word.

Read more: https://calendar.pitt.edu/event/center-for-african-studies-graduation-presentations

Is globalization an economic strategy, a political project, a cultural process, or simply a lived reality? And should it be embraced or resisted?

This summer at Pitt, SOC 0317 Globalization takes you inside one of the most debated forces of our time. You will explore competing cultural and national identities, the realities of daily life under globalization, growing inequality, and its environmental consequences. There are no easy answers here, just sharp thinking and real questions that matter.

Virtual | Summer I | Class 19662
Instructor: Karim Safieddine | [email protected]

Today is the day!
Classes are done and it's time to breathe.

Swing by the Global Hub in Posvar Hall between 4 and 6 PM for ALSA - African Language Student Association's End of Year Celebration.

We've got East African snacks and drinks, a Swahili language workshop, and plenty of games to help you unwind before finals week.

No invitation required. Just show up. See you there!