Kean University in Union, New Jersey, has established the Center for Africana Studies within the university’s College of Education to serve as an academic research resource for scholars, faculty, and students at Kean University, as well as cultural hub for Africana studies within the Union community.
The first initiative of the new center aims to support local public schools in developing programming aligned with New Jersey’s Amistad curriculum, which mandates teaching about the African slave trade, slavery in America, and the contributions Africans have made to American society. The new site will also offer cultural programming such as traveling exhibits to faculty, students, and the public. Additionally, the center will support Kean University’s minor in Africana Studies.
“This new center epitomizes the University’s commitment to equity and to serving our state, particularly our urban communities,” said Kean University president Lamont Repollet. “All young people deserve to know their past. We are dedicated to establishing the best, most effective curriculum and programming to ensure they have a full understanding of history to help them shape the future.”
