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Africana Studies

Africana Studies is dedicated to developing expertise and knowledge of the African Diaspora.

The program’s interdisciplinary approach emphasizes the artistic and intellectual traditions of all people of the African Diaspora. The Minor in Africana Studies is designed to complement a student’s major, incorporating courses from many subject areas.

About the Minor

UCF Catalog: Africana Studies Minor

The Africana Studies minor is an interdisciplinary program that offers courses in a wide range of subject areas such as African American studies, Africana history, film, fine arts, Latin American studies, literature, political science, psychology, sociology and anthropology. Eighteen credit hours are required to complete the minor and a variety of topics are offered so students can customize their educational experience to their interests.

Africana Studies presents a unique opportunity for students to explore the rich complexity and diversity of society. It provides a forum for students to understand the significant contributions that black individuals have made to world civilization and the American experiment.

Additionally, Africana Studies is dedicated to developing expertise and knowledge of the black experience in the African Diaspora. The program’s interdisciplinary approach emphasizes the artistic and intellectual traditions of the black experience.

Illustration of sankofa bird icon

What does Sankofa Mean?

Sankofa (san·ko·fa) is a Ghanaian word that means “it is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten.” The word is a combination of the words: san (return), ko (go), and fa (seek and take). “Sankofa” teaches us to go back to our roots in order to move forward.

Scholarships

There are three competitive scholarships available for students seeking a minor in Africana Studies. These awards offer additional opportunities to challenge and define their experiences. Winners are recognized at an annual luncheon.

  • Business Services Africana Studies Dining Scholarship/Stipend
  • John T. Washington Community Service Award for Africana Minors
  • John T. Washington Scholarship for Africana Studies Minors
Find Out More

Faculty & Staff

Kibibi V. Mack-Shelton headshotProgram Coordinator
Kibibi V. Mack-Shelton, Ph.D.

Donald Harrell, Adjunct
Rohan Jowallah, Adjunct
Obi Nwakanma, Assoc. Professor
Eric Wright, Adjunct
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Lecture Series

The annual Dr. John T. Washington Lecture Series benefits scholarships for UCF students pursuing minors in Africana Studies. Hosted by the UCF Department of History and Africana Studies program in partnership with UCF Alumni, the lecture series honors Washington’s commitment to community and service.

UCF History Events Calendar
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Courses