Today, August 28, 2013, marks the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington where Dr. Martin

Luther King, Jr. gave his historical “I Have a Dream” speech. Click here for a transcript of the speech.

AFRICAN & AFRICAN DIASPORA STUDIES PROGRAM

SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENT DIGEST

WEEK OF AUGUST 26th, 2013

Upcoming Events:

AADS Welcome Back Reception August 30th, 2013

For more information, please call 305-348-6860.

Annual Gambian Reunion August 30th, 2013

AADS co-sponsors the Cultural Night Event that will be held in the Wolfe Center

Ballroom on the Biscayne Bay Campus on Friday, August 30th at 8 PM. Join us!

For more information, please call 305-975-6303.

Special Presentation September 10th, 2013

For more information, please call 305-348-6860.

The Trayvon Martin Verdict September 13th, 2013

For more information, please call 305-348-6860.

Dr. Muhammad’s Presentation November 14th, 2013

For more information, please call 305-348-6860.

New Announcement:

"How to Graduate - Fall 2013" on 6 September 2013 A Presentation by Dean Donnelly

This seminar applies to the Fall 2013 semester for thesis and dissertation students. The seminar is particularly useful for students planning to graduate in Spring 2014 because it provides an overview of what is required. The seminar will be presented in WC 130 and simulcast to BBC (MSB 105). Time: 4-5 pm Date: 6 September 2013 Place: WC 130/MSB 105 Please RSVP to Mery Castro (mejiam@fiu.edu/305.348.2038). We look forward to seeing you. Mo Donnelly Assoc. Dean

Weekly Picks:

Our Top Travel Picks of the Week

Friday, August 23, 2013

1. Fall for the rugged terrain of Southern Africa

Cross the borders of countries in Africa's southern region, and you're bound to see diverse communities and cultures.

Take a hike up hilly sand dunes in Namibia's desert or travel through Zambia's wilderness. Source: Heraldsun

2. Enjoy The Abundance of Paradise in The Seychelles

Clear blue waters, palm trees and tourist lodging with breathtaking views make Seychelles a hotspot. Go island hopping

in Ste-Marine Park or take a walk through Mahe, Seychelles' most popular island. Source: News.com.au

3. Blue Train Expands Its Destinations to Include Durban

South Africa's Blue train is adding new stops in cities like Durban. Travelers learn about the trains extensive history as

well as celebrities who rode it in the past. The trip from Durban to Pretoria includes a two-night stay at five-star hotel,

Zimbali Lodge. Source: Getaway Blog

4. Top 10 Reasons to Visit Zambia Zambia is known for the rushing waters of popular tourist destination, Victoria Falls, but here are other reasons to visit the country near Africa's southern tip. Source: Lonely Planet

5. Tales From The Bush Chef Kiran Jethwa mixes chat and cuisine on his National Geographic show, "Tales from the Bush Larder." During a recent trip to Kenya, Jethwa served up interesting dishes like guinea fowl egg ice cream. He also highlighted the country's local cultures. Source: radiotimes

6. 10 of the Best Things to Eat and Drink in Mozambique Tropical fruits, seafood and spices are in abundance for travelers eager to taste Mozambican cuisine. If you're planning your trip to the country, take a look at these must-have dishes. Source: Getaway Blog

7. Botswana Family Safari One writer details her experience joining her family on a safari trip through a wildlife reserve in Botswana. She writes about their travels, capturing the scary moments after an elephant charged at their vehicle and a light-hearted family dinner. Source: Journalstar

8. Discovering Africa: Ranch de Nazinga, Burkina Faso In a continuation of their "Discovering Africa" series, Ventures Africa takes a look at the small West African country of Burkina Faso; more specifically, ranch de Nazinga. The hunting area has over 39 species of animals and is unique to the continent's western region. Source: Ventures Africa

9. Put a Birding Safari on Your Checklist Safaris can be a fun and (sometimes) quick experience. Looking for opportunities to travel through reservation camps at a slower pace? Try bird watching. After a recent safari trip in Botswana, one writer called the activity "highly addicting" and saw more than 20 types of birds. Source: goafrica

10. Guinea-Bissau: Travels in One of Africa's Poorest Countries The small West African country may be one of Africa's poorest countries, but visitors willing to spend more time and

energy engaging in activities with locals are sure to have an unforgettable experience. Source: Huffington Post

Our Top Business Picks of the Week

Friday, August 16, 2013

1. South African Firm Invests Billions in U.S. Energy Future Usually it's the U.S. investing in Africa but one South African firm is flipping that model on its head. Johannesburg based

Sasol, an energy company, have invested 14 billion into building the first U.S. based commercial plant to turn natural

gas into liquid fuels. Source: CNN

2. Kenya From Nowhere Plans East Africa's First Oil Exports: Energy The last five years in the Kenyan oil industry have been a whirlwind. The East African nation has gone from becoming an

oil-less nation to a regional leader. With the help of Royal Dutch Shell PLC., Kenya are now poised to start shipments in

2016. Source: Bloomberg

3. On Africa: The Value Addition Imperative In Agriculture With the continuing increase of Africa's food imports, the processing of local agriculture becomes even more

important. However as Forbes explains not all of these commodities are suited to domestic value addition. Source: Forbes

4. Despite Upheaval, M&A Strong in Middle East and North Africa Mired in what seems to be a never-ending revolution, Northern Africa's merger and acquisition activity may seem like an afterthought. However, the region is currently on track for its strongest year since 2007. Source: Wall Street Journal

5. Gold Wage Talks Stuck, Strike Risk Up After six intensive weeks of talks there seems to be no resolution in sight between South African gold producers and the unions. The prospect of strikes has become an increasingly realistic option. Gold mine stoppages would be crippling to a South African economy that is already losing $60 million a day. Source: IOL

6. Thought Leaders: African Women In Business Africa.com in association with The Africa Business Club - A student-run organization of the Harvard Business School, sits down with four dynamic female entrepreneurs to tackle the subject of African Women in Business. Source: Africa.com

7. South Africa Inflation Surges: Official Data South Africa's yearly consumer price inflation jumped massively in the last month as a result of higher fuel prices - from 5.5 percent in June to 6.3 in July. Officials have cited that a rise in the water and electricity tariffs played a major role. Source: Yahoo News

8. China Development Bank Invests Billions In Africa China's massive developmental effort in Africa continues as the China Developmental Bank (CDB), the largest policy lender in the country has pledged $2.4 billion towards African infrastructure and commercial projects. Source: Global Times

9. Safaricom Launches Mobile Rent Payment Platform Kenyan Mobile Company, Safaricom have recently launched a new rent payment platform via the popular mobile payment tool M-Pesa. The platform should allow an efficient and convenient way of conducting rental transactions. Source: Ventures-Africa

10. Foschini Plans For Expansion Outside Slowing South Africa In an effort to combat a disastrous 2012, Foschini Group Ltd., a South African clothing retailer plans to open 21 new

stores in the rest of the continent by March, as many consumers struggle to repay their debt. Source: Bloomberg

Our Arts and Culture Picks of the Week

Friday, August 23, 2013

1. Cultural Identity in the Rainbow Nation

South Africa boasts tremendous cultural diversity. In a series of interviews, CNN's Errol Bernett gives us a glimpse into

the lives of South Africans representing just a few of the extremely varied cultures that thrive in and influence life on

the continent's southern edge. Source: CNN

2. Nigeria in the Middle of Newark

The Newark Museum is a treasure trove of contemporary art, particularly the African variety. A recent gift of 145

artworks by Simon Ottenberg has resulted in a current exhibit that showcases Nigerian art in a new and unique way. Source: The New York Times

3. Saving the Lives of African Women Through Film

On September 15, the African Women's Development Fund USA will host a forum and film screening of "Mother of

George." At the event, viewers are given the opportunity to engage in dialogue with the film's director, Andrew

Dosunmu and the cast. Source: Africa.com

4. Kenya: Where Tech Meets Culture Kenya has emerged as one of the hotbeds of the technology movement in Africa. As this space in the East African country continues to develop, artists of all backgrounds have been quick to tap into the products of these advances, resulting in huge bursts of creativity and a noteworthy cultural reawakening. Source: Mail & Guardian

5. Trailer Premiere: 'Bikelordz' Follows Accra's BMX Scene (Documentary) Bikes are big in Accra! Members of the youth demographic in Ghana's capital city are obsessed with the acrobatics and artistry that characterizes the BMX sport scene. A new documentary called "Bikelordz" captures the excitement and energy of Accra's emerging world on wheels. Source: okayafrica

6. SA Card Game Goes Global If you aren't from South Africa, you may never have heard of the game, Thunee. The card game has been part of South African culture for ages, but a new app is starting to create a global following. Source: Independent Online

7. New York Firm Comes Full Circle with African Conference Center Work is under way for a radical new structure in Gabon, which will serve as the future home for the Summit of the African Union. The brainchild of American architects, the round building is environmentally conscious, and its design aims to represent an emerging progressive Africa. Source: Architectural Record

8. Thirty Minutes with Oliver Mtukudzi Music Time in Africa sits down with Zimbabwean music legend, Oliver Mtukudzi. Known for his soothing and uplifting music, he shares work from his latest album, Sarawoga. This is Mtukudzi's 61st record. Source: Voice of America

9. Mia Couto's New Novel Doesn't Reflect Author's Prizewinner Pedigree Mozambican author, Mia Coates, is one of the most highly acclaimed African authors. His latest book 'The Tuner of Silences' tells a poignant story about the desire to preserve innocence, and the impossibility of the task. While brilliant at times, some question whether the effort befits a writer of such esteemed praise. Source: Globe and Mail

10. Architect Marina Meyer Proposes to Improve Street Vending in South Africa through her

Sidewalk Showcase Design can solve problems and save lives. It can also increase the efficiency of small business owners. Just ask architect,

Marina Meyer, who developed an ingenious, multi-use, portable structure that could literally transform street vending

in South Africa. Source: Design Indaba

Job Opportunity:

The Department of Historical Studies at the University of Toronto invites applications for a tenure-

stream position in African Studies at the rank of Assistant Professor. The appointment will commence

July 1, 2014.

The candidate’s research may focus on any aspect of African Studies with a historical orientation.

Interests that complement and enhance existing departmental strengths would be an asset. Candidates

must demonstrate evidence of excellence in and commitment to both research and teaching, with

established or clear promise of distinguished publications in their field. The applicant must have their

PhD by the date of their appointment.

The successful candidate will have the ability to teach a broad range of courses from the introductory to

advanced levels about diverse aspects of African Studies, contributing to the undergraduate program on

the Mississauga campus, and will hold a graduate appointment at the Department of History or other

appropriate Department on the St. George campus of the University of Toronto. The successful applicant

will join a vibrant intellectual community of world-class scholars at Canada’s leading university. The

Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is one of the most fascinating, diverse, and “livable” places in the world.

Salary will commensurate with qualifications and experience.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply by clicking the link

http://www.jobs.utoronto.ca/faculty.htm (Position #1300757). Applications should be addressed to

Professor Shafique Virani, Chair, Department of Historical Studies, and must be submitted by October 7,

2013. The application must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, sample of academic writing,

statement of research interests, all academic transcripts, and a teaching dossier (i.e. all teaching

evaluations; sample syllabi, assignments and/or tests; descriptions of teaching strategies and innovations,

etc.). The U of T application system can accommodate up to five PDF/MS-Word attachments (10MB) per

candidate profile; applicants may wish to combine attachments to accommodate this limit. Submission

guidelines can be found at: http://uoft.me/how-to-apply.

Arrangements should be made for three letters of reference, at least one of which must comment on the

applicant’s teaching abilities, to be submitted by the deadline to historical.studies@utoronto.ca. Please

include the candidate’s name and “African Studies Search” in the subject line. Questions about this

position may be addressed to the same email address.

The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community. The University

especially welcomes applications from visible minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons,

persons with disabilities, members of sexual minority groups and others who may contribute to the further

diversification of ideas. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and

permanent residents will be given priority.

Information about the Department of History and Historical Studies is available at:

www.utm.utoronto.ca/historical-studies/ and www.history.utoronto.ca.

Call for Proposals:

Race and Place: Cultural Landscapes of Black Life in America

A National Conference

February 19-21, 2014

University of South Florida - Institute on Black Life

CALL FOR PAPERS, PANELS AND POSTERS

The USF Institute on Black Life is sponsoring a national conference that encourages participants to

examine the powerful intersection of race and place in America. The conference will focus broadly on

historically Black communities in the U.S., the social and spatial ties that created and sustained their

histories and the meanings of these communities in the 21st century. We invite scholars of the social

sciences, humanities and education, as well as visual artists, musicians, genealogists, archivists, and

others to explore topics related to housing, business development, community leadership, religious

practices, and other forms of “placemaking”, resiliency and identity in Black communities. This

conference will also provide a forum for discussion of the legacies of racial segregation, the legacies of

urban renewal and the legacies of the Civil Rights movement.

The conference will include keynote presentations from distinguished scholars, panels and poster

sessions. Scholars and students are encouraged to submit abstracts for papers on a range of issues

related to the intersection of race and place in the U.S.

Abstract Submission Procedure Submit all abstracts for both panel and poster presentations to the

following email address: eldunham@usf.edu

Title: Bolded, 14 pt. font, centered text in Times New Roman Author Names in order of contribution: 12

pt. font, centered, bold, Times New Roman Author’s affiliation and full address: 12 pt. font, centered,

italicized Authors contact information including telephone & Email address: 12 pt. font, centered,

italicized Abstract: 12 point font, single-spaced, Times New Roman. Maximum of 400 words.

Submission Deadline The deadline for abstracts to be considered for the panel or poster presentation

sessions is November 1, 2013. Please ensure all materials have been submitted using the proper

formatting. University of South Florida Institute on Black Life and the Center for Africa and the Diaspora

Attn: Elizabeth L. Dunham, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue – FAO 270 Tampa, Florida 33620 www.ibl.usf.edu

Fall 2013 Courses:

Have a great week!