African Studies Students' Association of McGill University

Careers in Human Rights and Social Justice Join us on January 30th, 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM at EDUC 120 (3700 McTavish Street) for an inspiring event featuring leaders in human rights and advocacy. Our keynote speaker, Sonia Buma, Co-Founder and President of Hope for Cameroon will share her journey in community empowerment and social impact. The panel discussion will bring together experts including Céline Füri (Oxfam-Québec), Alina Murad (Le Centre de Réfugiés - The Refugee Centre), Nicolas ROBE (International Bureau for Children's Rights) and Mehri Ghazanjani (McGill University). They will share insights into their career paths, the challenges they have faced, and the impact of their work. The evening will also include networking opportunities and an art exhibition. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with professionals and explore impactful careers in human rights and social justice. We look forward to seeing you there! Organized by the McGill International Development Studies Students' Association (IDSSA), African Studies Students' Association of McGill University and Hope for Cameroon. Sign up to register! https://lnkd.in/eXe5GPuM

Congratulations to Professor Wendell Nii Laryea Adjetey for receiving the 2024 Governor General’s History Award for Scholarly Research! 🏆✨ The prize, awarded by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, is Canada’s top honours in the field of history and heritage and is administered by Canada’s National History Society. His 2023 book, Cross-Border Cosmopolitans: The Making of a Pan-African North America, has been recognized for its remarkable contribution to the field of history and heritage. This well-deserved honor highlights the resilience, achievements, and sacrifices of African-Canadian and Black communities. Professor Adjetey's current course offerings focus on post-Reconstruction United States, Twentieth-Century African American, African Diaspora, African Canadian, North American, and Atlantic World history, continuing to shed light on the vital stories that shape our understanding of the past and present. Thank you, Professor Adjetey, for amplifying important narratives and enriching our understanding of Pan-African connections across North America. 

Event Recap: Waiting for Progress – Promises of Privatization and Conservation on an African Indigenous Frontier On November 14, the African Studies Students' Association of McGill University (ASSA), in collaboration with McGill’s African Studies Program, were honored to host Professor Kariuki Kirigia from the University of Toronto for an insightful and thought-provoking lecture. Professor Kirigia delved into the challenges and implications of privatization and conservation efforts in Southern Kenya, highlighting their effects on indigenous communities and sparking a rich discussion about the intersection of environmental policy, development, and indigenous rights. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Professor Kirigia for his expertise, mentorship, and continuous support of our academic community. His contributions inspire us to engage critically with these pressing issues and further explore the complexities of environmental policy, development, and indigenous rights. Thank you to everyone who joined us in making this event a success.

Event Recap: Life and Death of an Image – A Model(ed) Congo (1885–1908) This week, the African Studies Students' Association of McGill University, in collaboration with McGill’s African Studies Program and the Department of Art History & Communication Studies, was honored to host Professor @Sandrine Colard for an enlightening lecture. Professor Colard revisited the Congo Free State’s "atrocity photographs," offering a fresh perspective on African agency in documenting this history. She highlighted the pioneering work of H. A. Shanu, an African photographer who used early studio portraiture as a tool for anti-colonial advocacy. The talk challenged traditional narratives and underscored the transformative power of photography in shaping history from an African perspective. We extend our gratitude to Professor Colard and everyone who attended for contributing to an inspiring and thought-provoking event. Stay tuned for more opportunities to engage with African Studies at McGill University.

ASSA McGill Mixer Recap Last week, the African Studies Students' Association of McGill University hosted its first mixer of the academic year, creating an engaging space for students, faculty, and community members to connect and celebrate African Studies. Key Highlights: • Team Introductions: The ASSA executive team shared their vision for the year, emphasizing collaboration and community engagement. • Academic Insights: Professors introduced African Studies courses, sparking interest in exploring the diverse histories, cultures, and politics of Africa. • Interactive Kahoot Session: Attendees participated in a lively Kahoot game, testing their knowledge and building connections through friendly competition. • West African Cuisine: Guests enjoyed delicious dishes, showcasing the region’s rich culinary traditions. • Networking and Conversations: The event fostered meaningful discussions and connections among attendees, strengthening our community. Thank you to everyone who joined us. We look forward to more opportunities to engage, learn, and grow together throughout the year.

Join us for "Life and Death of An Image: A Model(ed) Congo (1885–1908)", a thought-provoking talk by Sandrine Colard, Assistant Professor of Art History at Rutgers University and curator-at-large at the KANAL-Centre Pompidou Museum in Brussels. 🗓️ Date: November 26 ⏰ Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM 📍 Location: Leacock 232 This lecture will revisit the infamous "atrocity photographs" that contributed to the downfall of the Congo Free State (1885–1908), focusing on the often-overlooked perspective of the Congo itself. Professor Colard will highlight the work of H. A. Shanu, one of the first African professional photographers in Congo, and explore how early photography intersected with anti-colonial resistance, propaganda, and portraiture from an African perspective. Don't miss this opportunity to dive into a transformative historical project that reframes early studio photography through the lens of African history and artistry. Organized by McGill's African Studies Program, with the co-sponsorship of the African Studies Students' Association of McGill University and the Department of Art History & Communications Studies.