Searching for Africa in America: Some Preliminary Reflections

Professor Kelley will offer opening reflections on both historical and contemporary encounters between Africa and America.  He has commented recently, “It is true that, in arts and culture domains, for instance, Africans born on the continent or in Europe have become a dominant presence on the media landscape, and at the university numbers of Africans are significant compared to US-born black people. But it is also true that Africans are being rendered invisible as concern for, and knowledge about, Africa has virtually disappeared in black US public discourse”.  His remarks will be followed by a discussion with the panellists.