alliances AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER | NEWSLETTER 2017 | NO. 9 2 | alliances • FALL 2017 • AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER • ii.umich.edu/asc

message FROM THE DIRECTOR

Greetings to the ASC Community and to all with an interest in Africa,

It is with great excitement that I write to launch the 10th Anniversary Year of the U-M African Studies Center. On July 1, 2008, former president Mary Sue Coleman and former provost Teresa Sullivan inaugurated ASC. Owing to the talents and efforts of our affiliated staff, faculty, students, African partners, and Michigan community friends, we have much of which to be proud and as much or more to look forward to. For the roles each of you have played in making KELLY ASKEW ASC one of the most vibrant, diverse, and inclusive African Director, African Studies Center studies centers globally in terms of academic engagements and Professor, Departments of Afroamerican and African Studies; and Anthropology disciplinary breadth, I thank you.

Let me also welcome our new I also wish to thank on behalf of the entire Henrike, a specialist on Associate Director ANDRIES ASC community outgoing Director OVETA Mali and Francophone COETZEE (coetzee@umich. FULLER (Microbiology and Immunology) Africa, is responsible edu), professor in linguistics, and Associate Director JUDITH for coordinating the who pursues innovative IRVINE (Anthropology) for their African Heritage (AHI), research on phonetics leadership, hard work and dedication in African Social Research and phonology, with a making the 2016-17 academic year another (ASRI), STEM-Africa, and specific focus on linguistic resounding success. Many of the year’s EMC2 initiatives. She also serves variation and on how such variation is highlights are featured in subsequent as ASC grant writer and grant manager, embedded in the social structure of pages of this issue of Alliances. I and coordinates the ever-expanding speech communities. Hailing from South encourage you to read further and UMAPS alumni network. Prior to joining Africa, his current research focuses on learn about our flourishing institutional ASC in September 2016, she taught the complex linguistic landscape of partnerships in Africa and the innovative anthropology at Leiden University. Since post-apartheid South African society. He research and educational opportunities she is both Dutch and a Wolverine (PhD maintains close ties with South Africa, and being pursued by U-M faculty and 2011, Anthropology, U-M), do tell her “Ga holds an appointment as Extraordinary students alike. Blauw!” when you see her. Professor at the NorthWest University, his The past year has seen some changes Prior to joining ASC in South African alma mater. He regularly in the ASC staff. For the past two July 2017, Cindy was collaborates with South African scholars, years, outgoing ASC Academic Program project coordinator for and spends several months out of every Specialist TRACI LOMBRÉ managed Innovate Blue, the U-M year conducting fieldwork in South Africa. our programs and strengthened ASC’s hub for entrepreneurship Andries has been involved in ASC since presence on campus and beyond— and innovation. There its formation, in particular as a member launching, for instance, our participation she faced the challenge of the UMAPS Evaluation Committee in the Detroit African World Festival. She of coordinating and and Executive Committee. His goals as will not be far, however. Traci has begun aligning the activities of the associate director are to learn as much as her PhD in American Studies here at U-M, 15 different centers for entrepreneurship possible about the many and the varied and will be investigating the unsung story existing at U-M, working with 30+ Africa-related initiatives and research of Kansas’ role in the Harlem Renaissance. student organizations, and coordinating projects at U-M, to work with the ASC Many hearty congratulations! the Innovate Blue academic minor. She staff and community to advocate for is employing her talents for program Africa-related programs across the We warmly welcome HENRIKE management and engaging diverse University, and to help secure the long FLORUSBOSCH ([email protected]) constituencies as the new ASC Academic term financial stability of ASC to ensure and CINDY NGUYEN (ctnguy@umich. Program Specialist. Welcome, Cindy! continued support for the exciting work edu), who recently joined the ASC staff. done in and about Africa by the U-M community. I wish to pay special Finally and importantly, please join us in all INSIDE tribute to the the ASC 10th Anniversary Events planned contributions of our to celebrate this milestone and all that has 4 Small-Scale Gold Mining and Alternative Livelihoods in Talensi longest-running ASC been accomplished over the past decade. and Nabdam Districts, Ghana staff member, SANDIE These include: 6 Africa-China Conference 2017: SCHULZE (UMAPS and »» another rich 10th UMAPS Colloquium events coordinator), who Infrastructure, Resource Extraction, and series featuring our 17 newly arrived Environmental Sustainability helped found the ASC UMAPS scholars representing seven in the first days of its existence. Since she African countries (including our first 7  Africa Workshop Series is the first person all our UMAPS scholars UMAPS scholar from Zambia); 8  An Educational Resource Developed By, For, come into contact with, and their point »» 10th Anniversary Reception at the African and With Youth in Kakuma Refugee Camp, person throughout their residencies, her Studies Association meeting; Kenya praises have been sung throughout the » two more Mellon-funded seminars 10 Asanteman and Ghana continent in all the ten countries that » partnering U-M and University of the Bids Farewell to 13th have produced UMAPS scholars. Thank Witwatersrand faculty and students, the Asantehemaa you, Sandie, for a decade of dedicated first on Decolonizing Sites of Culture in 14  African Perspective and wholehearted service to the ASC and Africa and Beyond; Book Series Releases especially to UMAPS!! First Titles »» 10th UMAPS Scholars Farewell Dinner and Please know that ASC has moved! The African Dance Night; 15 University of African Studies Center is now located in » continued quantitative and statistical Michigan at the » African World Suite 500 of the Weiser Hall (formerly training collaborations involving U-M, Festival Dennison Building), 500 Church Street. the University of Cape Town and the Please visit us there. University of Ghana; 16   Remaking the Humanities in Africa: An Update »» new and continuing collaborations from of the Ethiopia-Michigan Collaborative 18 African Arts Exhibits at UMMA Consortium (EMC2); 19  2017 STEM-IV Convenes in Yaoundé, »» new collaborations born of the STEM- Cameroon: A Transformativw International Africa IV conference in Cameroon; Conference »» a UMAPS reunion on the continent; 20 Growing Collaborations in Ethiopia »» and a three-day symposium on “ASC: 22 Initiative Updates The First Decade” at which our signature U-M model for forging enduring and 29 In the Media I am very happy to announce that ASC sustainable partnerships in the co-creation 30 Faculty News recently received a generous donation of knowledge and solutions to global 31 Student News from the Koinonia Foundation established problems will be highlighted. In addition by Dr. Dale Williams, a retired family to partnerships featuring U-M faculty, physician, and one of the original students and staff, a select group of U-M STAY CONNECTED founders—and a continued benefactor—of alumni in Africa will attend to share with T: (734) 615-3027 the U-M Department of Family Medicine. us the important and groundbreaking work Dr. Williams invented the high quality they are doing. E: [email protected] solar Heli Lantern, distributed by Harding ii.umich.edu/asc Energy (Norton Shores, MI). He has The ASC staff—Andries, Henrike, Cindy, facebook.com/UMAfricanStudies donated 100 Heli Lantern kits—complete Sandie and I—together with the Global twitter.com/UofMAfrica with lantern, solar panel, AC wall adapter South Cluster staff that support our umichasc.wordpress.com charger, DC car charger, USB phone/ work—Gloria Caudill (Global South SUPPORTING ASC tablet charger cable, and carrying case Cluster Manager), Raquel Ramos Buckley Your gift helps support the presidential (valued at $125/kit). If you are interested (Communications), Kathy Covert (Global South Office Coordinator)—all wish you initiatives, student participation in overseas in distributing some Heli lanterns in rural educational and internship opportunities, African sites where you work, please email a wonderful 2017-18 academic year and look forward to seeing you at our 10th faculty research, public programming related Henrike ([email protected]). We have to Africa, and the UMAPS residential scholars Anniversary events. already distributed some in Tanzania, program. For more information on the various Ethiopia, South Africa and Zambia, with Best wishes, ways you can contribute to the efforts of more heading soon to Gabon. the African Studies Center, please visit: ii.umich.edu/asc/donate.

ii.umich.edu/asc • AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER • FALL 2017 • alliances | 3 4 | alliances • FALL 2017 • AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER • ii.umich.edu/asc

feature STORY On Monday, July 10, 2017, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo elevated the spirit of the Small-Scale fight against galamsey to another level. It was Gold Mining on that day that the President proclaimed: “I will put my presidency on and Alternative the line to stop galamsey.”­ —M. K. Abissath, Livelihoods Daily Graphic, 17 July 2017 IN TALENSI AND NABDAM DISTRICTS, GHANA BY ELISHA P. RENNE Photograpy by E. Renne

The term, “galamsey” (literally, “gather and sell”), refers to small-scale gold miners who search for gold outside of mining concession areas and without government permits. Aside from environmental damage done by these miners who dig pits, fell trees, and pollute waterways, they also endanger their own health through deadly mining accidents and by using mercury to separate minute quantities of gold from Undergraduate students from initial U-M 2009 trip, watching miners refine the stone-gold powder mixture before adding a liquid slurry of ground stone powder. mercury, at the small-scale gold mining site called Kejetia, in the Talensi District

RELATED EVENT DEPARTMENT OF AFROAMERICAN AND AFRICAN STUDIES (DAAS) SYMPOSIUM AND RECEPTION in honor of Elisha Renne’s Retirement “Uncommon Connections: Aesthetics, Anthro/History, Health” THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017 | 9:00 AM-5:30 PM | MICHIGAN LEAGUE FOR EVENT DETAILS, VISIT LSA.UMICH.EDU/DAAS ii.umich.edu/asc • AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER • FALL 2017 • alliances | 5

Nangodi, Nabdam District, was the site of first industrial gold mine was established in northern Ghana. This mine has had an erratic history of production; it is currently closed although it was briefly reopened in 2012

Trial spraying of neem oil- based pesticide to address the fall army infestation of corn in Nangodi

Undergraduate students (from the DAAS study abroad program as well as Department of Student and faculty researchers in Anthropology and SPH graduate students from Kejetia subsequently examined the the 2010 trip) taking and recording information concerning hair samples to be tested for mercury socioeconomic and health conditions, levels at the small-scale gold mining site, Kejetia with a focus on women and water use.

When mercury is added to this liquid This examination of miners’ health was gold-stone powder mixture, a gold- expanded with integrated assessment mercury amalgam is formed. By heating research that considered the health, entirely unexpected ways. this amalgam, the mercury evaporates environmental, sociocultural, economic When I went to Ghana in May 2009 leaving gold which is then washed, refined, consequences of small-scale gold mining with a group of University of Michigan and sold. It is the mercury vapor which in different parts of Ghana. During this undergraduates to examine the health causes health problems for miners and period, my research on small-scale gold and environmental consequences of gold those living in mining communities. As the mining shifted from the Kejetia site in mining, I hardly anticipated the long- vapor cools, it condenses as liquid and can Talensi District to the town of Nangodi term interdisciplinary research that would pollute streams, ponds, and small lakes, in Nabdam District, where the first deep develop. The initial student research and where it eventually contaminates fish. In shaft gold mine in northern Ghana was its subsequent publication began an order to assess the effects of mercury on built in 1935 and where small-scale gold eight-year collaboration between with men and women in the Kejetia mining mining has been widely practiced since the DAAS and School of Public Health (SPH) site in the Talensi District, Upper East mid-1980s. Seventeen women involved faculty, U-M graduate and undergraduate Region, Ghana, U-M student researchers in galamsey work were interviewed, and students, who conducted research on collected hair and urine samples to assess indicated that they would leave mining various aspects of women’s work, health, levels of mercury in workers' bodies in work if alternative work was available. The and environmental aspects of small- 2010. After taking these samples back abundance of neem trees (Azadirachta scale gold mining. The African Studies to U-M for testing, results were returned indica) suggested that the production Center and DAAS contributed funds for to miners. While results for most and sale of neem oil products could this project, while it later received an individuals were within acceptable limits, eventually provide them, as well as other Integrated Assessment Award (2012- the very few men who had high levels women in the community, with needed 2014) from the University of Michigan of mercury were advised to wear masks, income. Subsequently, the Nangodi Neem Graham Institute, which included limit amalgamation work, and reduce fish Company was established in September funds for Ghanaian and U-M faculty consumption. 2014, with the seventeen women research collaboration, workshops, and small-scale gold miners as the core publications (both in edited volumes group and a neem oil press provided by and in several major research journals). the Department of Afroamerican and The evolution of a small-scale gold African Studies (DAAS). This alternative mining student study to a country-wide livelihood project has continued in integrated assessment of small-scale 2017 with production and sale of neem gold mining in Ghana and a neem- oil, shea butter-neem oil cream, neem based livelihood project underscores seed cake chips, and most recently, the importance of faculty-student neem oil-based pesticide spray. interdisciplinary collaborations and assessments and of the application of Some research projects seem to research findings to address challenging have a life of their own, growing in problems.

Women small-scale gold miners in Nangodi who later formed the core group for the Nangodi Neem Company Africa-China CONFERENCE 2017 Infrastructure, Resource Extraction, and Environmental Sustainability BY NEAL MCKENNA

he Department of Afroamerican Elizabeth James, DAAS program associate. the logistics, processes and relationships and African Studies (DAAS), in The conference was generously supported involved in shipping Chinese goods to collaboration with the African by ASC, along with several other U-M and through Africa; Ashley Fox presented T Studies Center (ASC) and the centers, institutes and schools. findings from opinion surveys about Lieberthal-Rogel Center for African public perceptions of China’s role Participants from outside of Michigan, Chinese Studies (LRCCS), organized an in Africa; and May Tan-Mullins presented included: Buddy Buruku, a private sector international conference at the University findings from case studies of hydropower expert, discussed China’s extraction of Michigan, Ann Arbor as part of the dams in Africa and China. Bicentennial celebration of the university. of Africa’s natural resources; Adem The Africa-China Conference 2017: advocated for greater attention and U-M was also well represented by our Infrastructure, Resource Extraction and scholarship on agriculture as a nexus of own excellent faculty and students Sustainability brought together scholars, Africa-China relations; Anita Plummer that participated as both panelists and practitioners, and artists to interrogate discussed labor relations between Kenya attendees: Omolade Adunbi presented varying ideas about the Africa-China and China; Helen Siu presented her findings from his extensive research about engagement. Using multidisciplinary findings about the finances behind China’s infrastructure, oil and special economic approaches to examine complex issues, engagement with Africa, and suggestions zones in Nigeria; Bilal Butt (SEAS) participants at the conference questioned for continued research; Jamie Monson presented an engaging examination of varying assumptions about Chinese ably blended examinations of technology, ‘secret’ Chinese military infrastructure engagement with Africa by critically politics, and history in the 1960s and 70s being installed in Africa and the resulting analyzing issues of infrastructure, natural in Africa, focusing on Chinese technology geopolitical considerations; Yuen Yuen resource extraction and their relatedness exports and their use in Africa; Huamei Ang (Political Science) informed and to environmental sustainability in Africa. Han discussed her research into the intrigued the audience about the multiple lives of Africans living in China and the paths to development a country can Omolade Adunbi (DAAS) developed varying types of racism they encounter; take, comparing China with Nigeria and the conference idea out of a class he Marie-Helene Koffi-Tessio presented showing how Nigeria can thrive without teaches about China’s engagement with her examinations of Asian characters traditionally ‘strong’ institutions; Elisha the Global South and the environmental in African films and what they signify; Renne (DAAS) presented an examination consequences of such engagement Harry Broadman dispelled myths and of Chinese-Nigerian collaboration in on people’s daily-lived experiences. misconceptions about Chinese investment textile manufacturing. MS/MBA student His current and former students Neal in Africa; Melissa Lefkowitz discussed Dannan Hodge and PhD student Katie McKenna, Amanda Kaminsky, and Maddie her ethnographic inquiry into the offices Browne co-presented their research into Bianchi helped organize the conference, of CCTV Africa and also presented her Chinese logging practices in Gabon and along with the invaluable assistance of film about the lives of African musicians perspectives from both countries. MS living in China; Nina Silvanus discussed student Amanda Kaminsky presented a

6 | alliances • FALL 2017 • AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER • ii.umich.edu/asc study of Chinese ecotourism in Kenya We were also treated by the participation issue of a journal as well as an edited volume and the meaning-making being applied and performance of musicians from because many of the areas explored by to animal migrations. the Wuhan Conservatory of Music. We presenters are new. Organizers of the conference were very honored that such incredible are already working towards making this a U-M faculty members Damani musicians took the time to prepare a reality. Partridge, Adam Ashforth, Joyojeet Pal, special performance for the conference, Michael McGovern, and Howard Stein especially a 1960s era China-Tanzania The Africa-China Conference 2017 was not served as chairs of many of the panels friendship song, which seemed fitting for only engaging, useful, and enjoyable but was during the conference. Judith Irvine and the conference. an intellectually stimulating experience for Sandra Gunning gave the opening and many participants. More importantly, many closing remarks, respectively. Students The conference was a great success in students from Prof. Adunbi’s class attested from Professor Adunbi’s When China many regards. Despite a busy weekend to the fact that the conference gave them an Comes To Town: Environment and the with many other University events, the opportunity to not only meet with some of the Politics of Development class as well conference maintained a high audience scholars whose work they have read, but also as the class on Violent Environments: turnout, with many faculty, students and to engage in a conversation with the scholars in Oil, Development and the Discourse staff coming to listen to the presentations an academic setting. It is our expectation that of Power were all present during the and asking questions as audience such an intellectually stimulating experience conference. members. At the end of the conference, will be replicated again and the optimism about many participants agreed that proceedings organizing the Africa-China Conference 2018 is of the conference should form a special already growing! Workshop Series AFRICA BY OMOLADE ADUNBI department at Cornell University, who just cultural but also political and shaped kept his audience spell bound when the ways in which many of the emirs who he embarked on the complicated and participated in the trips saw the colonial complex notions of the universalism of administration in Nigeria. Professor Kristin human rights, the way it is talked about Daughty, Anthropology at the University and how rights are imagined. Professor of Rochester, engaged her audience in Yolanda Covington-Ward, Anthropology an interesting interrogation of the notion and Africana studies at the University of justice and its connection to energy of Pittsburgh presented excerpts from and other natural resources in post- her new book, Gesture and Power: genocide Rwanda. The workshop series he Department of Afroamerican Religion, Nationalism, and Everyday ended with a conference on Africa-China: and African Studies, as part of Performance in Congo (Duke University Infrastructure, Resource Extraction and its intellectual offering for the Press). Speaking about embodiment, Environmental Sustainability. 2016/2017 academic year, organized Kongo prophetism, and the right to self- its flagship Africa workshop series. determination in the Belgian Congo in the TWith support from the African Studies Center late 1920s, Covington-Ward interrogated and coordinated by Professor Omolade prophetic practices by Congolese in Adunbi, the workshop series had as its the era of colonialism. Professor Moses theme, Environment, Sustainability and Ochonu of the History Department at Cultural Practices in Africa. Presenters at Vanderbilt University presented on the the workshop included Professor Jessica relationship between tourism and cultural Winegar of the Anthropology Department production during the colonial period at Northwestern University, who presented in Nigeria. Ochonu, speaking about the on the relationship between art and series of visits organized for traditional youth culture in Egypt, and Professor Siba rulers from Northern Nigeria to London, N’Zatioula Grovogui of the Africana Studies argued that many such visits were not

ii.umich.edu/asc • AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER • FALL 2017 • alliances | 7 An Educational Resource Thank you to the National Academy of Education/ Spencer Foundation, DEVELOPED BY, FOR, AND WITH University of Michigan Office of Research, and U-M School of Education for supporting this YOUTH IN KAKUMA research. REFUGEE CAMP,

KENBY MICHELLE J. YABELLINO & KAKUMA YOUTH RESEARCH GROUP In Kenya’s Kakuma Refugee Camp, the educational trajectories of 65,000 school- age children and youth depend on their enrollment in one of only five secondary schools. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) manages the provision of education within the camp, and dedicated staff work to expand post- primary educational opportunities for youth. Given the size of the camp population, secondary schools in particular are forced to make difficult decisions about access, capping enrollment and managing waitlists in order to maintain a level of quality and protection. Yet even as UNHCR works to increase the availability of secondary schools, the social demand for post-primary education remains low relative to the camp population: more than half of school-age youth in Kakuma do not attend secondary school.

nrollment disparities such as this one are not solely a matter of inequitable access to schools, but also reflect the ways that young people conceive of their E educational opportunities, both in the present and as a pathway toward future prospects.

Consider Innocent and Iwa, two refugee youth in their early twenties who recently completed secondary school. Educational services absent in Innocent’s home country of South Sudan attracted him to Kakuma, and he conceives of school as an investment in his future, even if it requires prolonged displacement. He reflects, “With this education, I will become someone… Because [of my education], if I go elsewhere, at least I will start somewhere.” By contrast, Iwa struggles to see the value of education in shaping a future that is within his reach. He asks, “What can education mean for a refugee when nothing comes of it?” Iwa is not alone in his worry that school can only open so many doors for refugees, when the doors schools promised to Images taken by the Kakuma Youth Research Group. Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya. Kenya. Camp, Refugee Kakuma Group. Research Youth Kakuma the by taken Images

8 | alliances • FALL 2017 • AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER • ii.umich.edu/asc In a context where youth agency is profoundly constrained by local, national, and global power structures, this study aimed to educate and empower young people with the skills and supports to author their own research agenda and employ research tools to document and address local challenges.

open simply do not exist. Many refugee As a research team we interviewed share a set of resources with young people children and youth drop out of school students, teachers, graduates, and those in Kakuma who aspire to continue their with the same frustrations, rationalizing who discontinued their schooling from education after completing secondary that education cannot change their status a range of national backgrounds. We schooling, but are uncertain how to as refugees with no legal ties to Kenya, found that most youth seek advice and access opportunities for further learning. few chances to access higher education, information from friends and teachers Undoubtedly, the social media presence of and no opportunity to work in the formal about educational opportunities, but refugee youth will not—on its own—shift economy. the value of these supports and one’s the structures that limit postsecondary capacity to access them were inequitably opportunities. Nevertheless, developing a The perspectives of Innocent and distributed. We also identified significant resource for, by, and with Kakuma youth Iwa illustrate competing discourses “information gaps,” so that youth has become a form of non-material about the value of formal schooling aspirations and efforts to motivate support within the camp community. We in Kakuma Refugee Camp, which youth were often forged without a clear believe that young people should leave young people navigate, reproduce, and understanding of structural opportunities school with the knowledge and skills to challenge. In a context of structural and limitations. The personal significance shape meaningful and sustainable futures, and spatial uncertainty, we set out of these findings, as well as our collective and that empowering youth like Innocent to better understand the educational potential to respond to them, shifted and Iwa demands that educational experiences and aspirations of displaced as most student researchers completed pursuits align with broader opportunity youth in Kakuma. The research design their schooling and began their struggle structures. Our hope is that youth-led encompassed youth participatory action to access post-secondary opportunities dialogue will lead to greater awareness research, and the youth featured in this they had hoped would be available to of the significance refugees place on work are participants, as well as co- them. their education in exile, more concerted researchers. Throughout our interactions, advocacy efforts driven by refugee students learned research skills and We soon realized that our knowledge stakeholders to expand educational collaboratively designed an inquiry into and skills were strengthened by coming opportunities, and stronger alignment the role of motivation and non-material together and sharing information and between educational opportunities and support in Kakuma youths’ educational experiences, an insight we leveraged in the structures that enable and constrain experiences. In a context where youth our plan to move from research findings refugees’ futures. agency is profoundly constrained by local, into action. In consultation with UNHCR national, and global power structures, this and partner organizations, we worked Visit our page and join us at: study aimed to educate and empower to document available opportunities young people with the skills and supports in the camp and develop a Facebook to author their own research agenda and community called “Kakuma Youth /Kakuma-Youth- employ research tools to document and Opportunities for Lifelong Learning.” This Opportunities-for-Lifelong- address local challenges. site is a youth-driven effort to create and Learning-233327623738937/

ii.umich.edu/asc • AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER • FALL 2017 • alliances | 9 ASANTEMAN AND GHANA BIDS FAREWELL TO 13th Asantehemaa

BY KWASI AMPENE AND LESTER P. MONTS

A team of University of Michigan researchers and videographers traveled to Kumase, Ghana in January 2017 to cover the funerary events surrounding the passing of Nana Afia Kobi Sɛɛwaa Ampem II, the 111-year- old Asantehemaa. Led by Professors Kwasi Ampene (DAAS/SMTD) and Lester Monts (SMTD)—both ethnomusicologists— and with support from the African Studies Center e wish first to clarify some Akan terms. (ASC), the Michigan Musical Heritage Project Asanteman refers to the Asante people, while W Akan is the larger cultural group to which Asante (MMHP), University of Michigan Office belong. Asantehemaa loosely translates as “Asante Queen” or of Research (UMOR), the Department of “Queen Mother” but neither conveys the full meaning of the Afroamerican and African Studies (DAAS), word. Due to a complex system of a socio-political organization embedded in a matrilineal kinship system, the Asantehemaa and the LSA Scholarship/Research Fund, is one of the highest-ranking leaders in Akan polity. In order to the six-member team collected more than ensure equilibrium and social balance, the Akan have dual male- forty hours of film footage covering the rare female leadership roles. The male chief or king is referred to as funerary and burial rites held at Dwabrem ɔhene while his female counterpart is ɔhemaa. Since they are from the same matrilineage, the ɔhemaa cannot be the wife of grounds, Manhyia Palace in Kumase. The a chief or a king. She can be a mother, sister, or aunt. Crucially, events were attended by Ghana’s new it is the ɔhemaa who nominates a king when the stool becomes president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, vacant or if he is destooled for any reason. Since English members of the cabinet and legislators, translations fall short, we retain the Akan designations. former United Nations General Secretary Through the efforts of Professor Ampene, an authority on Kofi Annan, paramount chiefs and lesser Akan musical and other performance arts, the research team received special authorization from Asantehene Otumfoɔ Ɔsɛe chiefs from Ghana and surrounding countries, Tutu II (the Asante King) to document the funerary celebrations. monarchs and representatives from other The king’s authorization facilitated the film crew’s movements African and European nations, and more than within the huge gathering of mourners that attended the four day event. They covered all the major ceremonies and 30,000 mourners. interviewed traditional and government leaders, townspeople

10 | alliances • FALL 2017 • AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER • ii.umich.edu/asc hand in nominating a female member from the matrilineage to occupy a vacant stool, it is the Asantehemaa who nominates a male member from the same to occupy the Gold Stool. To the satisfaction of all, Nana Afia Kobi selected her son, Barima Kwaku Dua, to succeed Otumfoɔ Opoku Ware II as the 16th occupant of the Gold Stool with the stool name, Ɔsɛe Tutu II. Blessed with good health and longevity, Nana Afia Kobi was 111 years old when she passed away on November 14, 2016. She Elders, Umbrellas Procession-Wearing black cloths (Kuntunkuni) that are sometimes combined with red cloths served Asanteman and Ghana for 39 years. to highlight the solemn occasion are court attendants, elders, and court musicians in a slow-paced procession leading territorial chiefs who are canopied under large multi-colored appliqued and embroidered umbrellas to The temporal reach of her life is stunning the funeral grounds (Dwabrem). for she lived through some of the most challenging times in Asante and Ghana’s history. She was born when the British were and visitors. The film team also gathered the reigning Asantehemaa. Divorced from consolidating colonial rule in the then Gold footage of the rare artifacts and regalia her first husband, she married Ɔhenenana Coast. By the 1920’s, nationalist sentiments going back centuries in Akan and Asante Kwame Boakye Dankwa, the chief of the were already high and resistance to colonial history. Copies of the film footage, photos, king’s gun carriers (or bodyguards). She had rule was well underway; by the 1940’s and audio recordings will be deposited with two sons by him, Barima Akwasi Prɛmpɛ the people of Asante were agitating for the Manhyia Palace archives and the J.H. and Barima Kwaku Dua. The former is an independent state. Nevertheless, Kwabena Nketia Audio-Visual Archives at deceased but the latter is the current king, Asante leadership made a bold decision the University of Ghana. Otumfoɔ Ɔsɛe Tutu II. Consequently, her to join neighboring chiefdoms to form a new praise name is Ɔwoahene (“One who gave birth to kings”). single unified state. British Gold Coast A Brief Biography of gained its independence in 1957 under the Asantehemaa, Nana Afia In 1977, King Opoku Ware II nominated leadership of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and a Kobi Sɛɛwaa Ampem II Nana Afia Kobi, then 72 years old, to constitution that recognized pre-colonial succeed Nana Ama Sɛɛwaa Nyarko, who political systems. Ghanaians agreed on (1905-2016) had passed on after serving for thirty-two a delicate arrangement where age-old years. Two issues were upmost on the mind political systems were run side by side with In 1905 Nana Afia Kobi S waa Ampem II ɛɛ of the king when he settled on his final a parliamentary system. was born in Kumase to heneba Kwadwo Ɔ choice. Nana Afia Kobi was unquestionably Afodo and Nana Yaa Birago. She grew up ɔ a member of the Royal yoko matriclan of As with other newly independent states, under challenging circumstances since the Ɔ Kumase. Her mother, Nana Yaa Birago, was the optimism that accompanied Ghana’s kingdom was in disarray and members of the daughter of Nana Akua Afriyie (Akua political independence soon gave way the royal family were dispersed throughout Dehye ), whose mother was Asantehemaa to political and economic instability. By the kingdom. With her mother and siblings, ɛ Nana Afia Kobi (1857 to 1880). Secondly, the time Afia Kobi was enstooled as the she spent her formative years in Mmada, there was no doubt that she could handle Asantehemaa in 1977, military coups had a little village, with no opportunity for the numerous responsibilities that toppled Nkrumah’s and the subsequent formal education. She was nineteen years come with the office of Asantehemaa. government. The instability led to a old in 1924 when King Agyeman Pr mp ɛ ɛ Additionally, he was aware of her extensive second wave of agitation for the Asante was allowed to return to Kumase enabling training in the lore, traditions and customs secession. However, with counseling from dispersed family members to reunite and of Asante (Asantes m). Thus in 1977, she the Asantehemaa Nana Afia Kobi Sɛɛwaa live in Kumase with the king. In order for ɛ became the 13th Asantehemaa, with the Ampem II and King Opoku Ware II, the Nana Afia Kobi to learn Asante traditions stool name, Afia Kobi S waa Ampem II. kingdom remained within a unified Ghana. and customs, she was sent out of the ɛɛ She was named after her maternal Great The following decades saw more unrest palace to live with one of the king’s stool Grandmother, the 9th Asantehemaa. and military coups but from 2000 to the wives, heneyere Nana Afia Fookuo. Ɔ Twenty-two years later king Opoku Ware present, Ghana has recorded political stability. Nana Afia Kobi married twice. With her II passed on and the enormous burden of first husband, Opanin Kofi Fofie, she nominating the rightful successor from the Even in her advanced age, the Asantehemaa had three children. While the second and Royal Ɔyoko matriclan in Kumase fell on was known for her sharp mind and capacity third children are deceased, the first born, the Asantehemaa Nana Afia Kobi Sɛɛwaa to remember individuals and events in vivid Nana Ama Konadu, will succeed her as Ampem II. Just as the king had the upper detail. Newly enstooled chiefs benefited

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Ntahera Ivory Trumpets-Sounded poetry by Ntahera (ivory trumpeters) were central to the from her impeccable knowledge of Asante funeral processions and formal sitings. stool and cultural histories, traditions, In the complex and customs. Her obituary brochure practice of speech surrogacy and using features glowing tributes from national the hocket technique, and international dignitaries speaking to the various types of ivory trumpets her humility, simplicity and modesty that were performed enabled rich and poor, young and the as substitutes for the human voice to old, to go to her without intimidation. For convey messages of these reasons and more, the celebration condolences as well as historical incidents. of Nana Afia Kobi’s life transcended the Asante Kingdom; it moved beyond of the Asante Kingdom at the levels and embroidered umbrellas to provide their Akan cousins in Ghana and La Côte of the nation, the West African region, shade from the early morning sun. There d’Ivoire to the national and international Continental Africa, and the global were sword bearers, royal spokespersons stages. community of nations. Each of the four with carved staffs, stool carriers, court days offered space for particular geo- elders sometimes accompanied with General Overview of cultural regions, institutions, and corporate kete or fɔntɔmfrɔm drum ensembles, bodies in Ghana to honor the deceased. ivory trumpets, and groups of men and Funerary Rites and Burial The general public, however, was not women, young and old, performing war The official mourning and funerary rites restricted to a particular day as they were cries. Constant streams of Paramount allowed to file past the body throughout chiefs entered the main gate to Manhyia for Asantehemaa Nana Afia Kobi Sɛɛwaa Ampem II occurred on January 16-19, the event. Kumase chiefs, Paramount Palace, made their way to the ɔhemaa’s 2017 at Dwabrem, a large enclosed park chiefs, and lesser chiefs in the Asante palace to file past the body, and exited to south of the palace grounds while the Kingdom and their Akan cousins in Ghana Dwabrem. The symbolic complexity was Asantehemaa’s body lay in repose for and la Côte d’Ivoire were scheduled to astounding and there was no doubting viewing in her nearby palace. The king perform rituals on the first day, Monday, the intense nature of communal grief. sat on a raised dais on one end of the January 16. On the second day, Tuesday January 17, the Ghana National House Finally the Asante King, Otumfoɔ Ɔsɛe park while the VIP stand was situated to Tutu II, emerged from his palace taking the far end across from the raised dais. of Chiefs and representatives from all of Ghana’s ten regions were accorded their us to a higher level of multi-sensory A red carpet connected the VIP stand performance of grief. He was carried in to the royal dais. Territorial chiefs and turn. Clergy from the Christian Council of Ghana, the Islamic faith, and other Etwie Apakan (“leopard palanquin”), their entourages sat around the king in a which is used only for funerary rites. horseshoe arrangement partly based on denominations had their turn on the third day, Wednesday, January 18. The newly Booming fɔntɔmfrɔm drums sounded ancient Akan war formations. The space behind the king’s palanquin while the between the two domains, Dwabrem installed President of the Republic of Ghana, three former presidents, visiting Ananta and Dadeɛsoaba chiefs and their park and the ɔhemaa’s palace, was filled men fired volleys of gunpowder into with all kinds of activities. Behind the VIP monarchs, members of the Diplomatic Corps in Ghana, and Members of the air. The atmosphere attained higher stand was the press stand where media levels of intensity as the Asantehene, houses had set up temporary structures Parliament took the lead on the climatic last day, Thursday, January 19. canopied under seven huge umbrellas with the names and logos of their stations and a large retinue of courtiers who boldly displayed. Ensembles from all Processions of royalty are arguably one of carried ivory trumpets in groups of seven, over the kingdom—kete, fɔntɔmfrɔm, the richest and most diverse performances conveyed the king’s grief to the general and popular vocal ensembles including of political and social status in the world. public. Other musical ensembles engaged adowa and nnwonkorɔ—were performing Paramount Chiefs and their entourages in plural performance for a collective simultaneously. About three vocal of lesser chiefs, court officials and expression of grief. On the sidelines ensembles were strategically placed on attendants began processions as early as and guiding the king’s procession were the route to the ɔhemaa’s residence so 6 am. The color profile of thousands of men and women carrying bunches of the multitudes in long and winding lines people wearing dark cloth (kuntunkuni) burning palm branches. In the pre- on their way to pay their last respects denoted grief and its attributes. Some electricity past, these were the means could dance while waiting. Unlike the chiefs appeared in ancient battle dresses of lighting the footpaths leading to the instrumental ensembles, the vocal holding muskets and Dane guns that burial grounds. Like the territorial chiefs, ensembles had amplification with the they fired sporadically to announce the the king’s procession made its way to volume at its highest decibel. event far and near and to signify their war the Asantehemaa’s palace and after he While creating the program, the Planning with death. The Paramount Chiefs were performed his ritual, headed back to Committee considered the relevance canopied under huge colorful applique Dwabrem. ii.umich.edu/asc • AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER • FALL 2017 • alliances | 13

Asantehemaa’s Coffin and Asantehene Behind Coffin-Asantehemaa’s remains being conveyed Fɔntɔmfrɔm-Carried on the head in a procession and immediately behind the to the funeral grounds (Dwabrem). Closely behind and holding a gun is the Asante King, Asante King are two large bɔmaa drums and a single atumpan drum that forms Otumfoɔ Osei Tutu II, to symbolically assure his deceased mother that he will protect the part of the Fɔntɔmfrɔm Ensemble. The loud and booming sound is meant to signify institutions, the state, and all the regalia our forebears established until his last breath. With heroism and power in Asante past and present. the index and third fingers pointed towards the king, the citizens are validating the solemn promise by the king as well as reassuring him that he has their support.

By the time the Asantehene took his seat Dwabrem for the Burial Service. Slowly occupies the Krontire Stool, and his elders on the dais, several chiefs and queens but gradually, the Asantehemaa’s coffin, received the coffin on behalf of Kumase were already lined up to greet him and partially covered with six large multi- Abrempɔn (chiefs). Since royals are not offer condolences, encouragement and colored shields, made its way from buried in broad daylight, the Bantamahene support. The greetings went on for over the palace to Dwabrem with the king, would wait until the king and the burying three hours with some bearing burial Otumfoɔ Ɔsɛe Tutu II, following closely party arrived around 11 pm before taking items arranged in brass basins and carried behind in a palanquin and holding a long- Nana Asantehemaa to the Brɛman Royal on the head by female family members. barreled gun horizontally in both hands Mausoleum for interment rituals. A general Periodically the king offered palm wine raised in the direction of the coffin. It curfew from 7 pm to the next morning drinks to the chiefs. Around 5 pm, the was an emotional but magnificent sight was put in place to enable a quiet and a king began his recession but before to behold as the fɔntɔnfrɔm ensemble solemn procession. returning to the palace, he went around, sounded the heroic war piece, Atoprɛtia, carried in the palanquin, and beginning behind the king. Riding in a palanquin The funerary celebration of the life and on his right side thanked all the chiefs and holding a gun behind the coffin was service of Asantehemaa, Nana Afia Kobi and queens for participating in the day’s Otumfoɔ Ɔsɛe Tutu’s solemn pledge to Sɛɛwaa Ampem II was highly successful. event. Once the king was out of sight, Asantehemaa (and the kingdom) that The Planning Committee, Asanteman, the assembled chiefs began making their although she is no more in the physical Ghanaians, and the Security Agencies way back in a scene reminiscent of their world and on her way to join her forebears hosted a home going ceremony suitable arrival. There were the shouts, drumming in the spirit world, he, the Asante king, to the services of an illustrious and and dancing until all the public dispersed. will protect the Gold Stool and all the remarkable woman. The intensity of the With the day’s program over, traditional tangible and intangible property that event projected Asante political status, priests and a variety of performers comes with it. history and culture, and identity within took over and kept vigil with non-stop the larger Ghanaian nationhood. The musical performances until daybreak. A After the Burial Service, led by the Akan are deeply aware that the ɔhemaa is highlight of each subsequent day of the Anglican Bishop of Kumase, the President symbolically the cultural mother of a chief celebration was the grand entry to and of Ghana laid a wreath on behalf of or a king so in the case of Asantehemaa recession from Dwabrem of the assigned all Ghanaians. He was followed by the Nana Afia Kobi Sɛɛwaa Ampem II, her paramount chiefs with their iconic colorful Asanteman Council, Lady Julia Ɔsɛe Tutu motherly role was doubled as both cultural umbrellas and entourages of lesser chiefs, (the wife of the king), the Dean of the and biological mother of Otumfoɔ Ɔsɛe drummers, chronicle singers, performers Diplomatic Corps, and finally the Anglican Tutu II. As cultural mother, she provided of heroic and praise poetry, and warriors. Church. After the service, pallbearers him with exceptional counseling until he from the Military Police lifted the casket joined his forebears in the spirit world. Although the final day’s program specified in military style and to the tune of three Afterwards, she made the rightful decision a timetable, managing all the VIPs and trumpets placed it on a Military Gun not only to nominate her own son, but a presidential details became daunting Carriage decorated with the Asanteman son who would survive her and carry the and the program was jammed right flag of gold, black, and green. In military kingdom forward. The Asantehemaa Nana from the beginning. After the customary convoy, they began the slow journey from Afia Kobi Sɛɛwaa Ampem II was thus a exchanges of greetings, a member of Manhyia Palace to the Bantama Royal bridge to the future, leaving a thirty-nine the Royal Spokespersons (Ɔkyeame) Mausoleum, about thirty minutes outside year legacy for generations of Asante and announced that the king would personally of Kumase. The Bantamahene, who is Ghanaians characterized by humility and convey the Asantehemaa’s coffin to the the second in command in Kumase and her signature calmness. The third volume, Seven Plays Book Series of Koffi Kwahulé: In and Out of Africa, edited by Judith G. Miller Releases First and translated by Chantal Bilodeau, was released in May 2017. This book is notable for presenting the first Titles English translation of Côte d’Ivoire’s Kwahulé, one of Francophone Africa’s BY HENRIKE FLORUSBOSCH most accomplished living authors and playwrights. His plays explore the diasporic experience of many of African origin and examine an ever- he African Perspectives The second volume, Unsettled History: expanding network of global migrants. book series was launched in Making South African Public Pasts, Judith G. Miller’s introductory essays 2013 to mark ASC’s five-year by Leslie Witz, Gary Minkley, and Ciraj to the plays situate Kwahulé among T Rassool, was published in February anniversary by building upon his postcolonial contemporaries. U-M’s distinctive position in the field 2017 and publicly launched in July of African Studies. Published by the 2017 at the South African Historical Additional volumes in African University of Michigan Press under the Society conference at the University of Perspectives include books by editorship of Kelly Askew and Anne the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, Mukoma Wa Ngugi, on the rise of the Pitcher, the series publishes exemplary appropriately marking the 40th African novel (available Spring 2018), work grounded in field research that anniversary of the Wits History and by Frieda Ekotto, editing selected unsettles conventional understandings Workshop. According to Leslie Witz, works of Chadian author Nimrod of the continent, involving any country in speakers at the conference pointed out (Fall 2018). These and other titles will sub-Saharan Africa. The past year saw the that Unsettled History represents “an help enlarge the disciplinary range publication of the first three titles in the active and critical engagement with of the series to include philosophy, series, with well-attended public launches the History Workshop, problematizing literature, and the social sciences, of two of the books in Washington, DC and the narratives of social history, the while maintaining its diversity of focus Johannesburg, respectively. The series has claims to alternative histories ‘from on Francophone, Anglophone, and attracted interest from both emergent and below’, the assertions of the recovery Lusophone Africa. established scholars, many based in Africa of voice through oral history, and the contentions of the outreach of popular Inquiries about the series may be as well as those working at institutions made to the series editors, Kelly outside the continent. histories.” In addition, as the guest speaker Crain Soudien, the CEO of Askew ([email protected]) and Anne The inaugural volume was African Print the Human Sciences Research Council Pitcher ([email protected]), or to Cultures: Newspapers and Their Publics (HSRC) noted, there was a deep the series’ editor at the Press, Ellen in the Twentieth Century, edited by Derek engagement with the politics Bauerle ([email protected]). R. Peterson, Emma Hunter, and Stephanie of the production of history, Newell, which publicly launched at the ASC which unsettled many of the reception held during the African Studies mythologies and icons that Association’s annual meeting in November had become the hallmark of 2016 in Washington, DC. Unsettling the settler pasts. All speakers narrative of Africa as a continent limited concurred, finally, in noting to oral tradition, African Print Cultures the volume’s productive focuses on African newspapers as subjects tension between claiming of historical and literary study. Beyond a new historiographical vehicles for anticolonial nationalism, approach and a reluctance newspapers also served as incubators of to assume a coherence that literary experimentation and as networks may be seen as asserting a for public interaction and the creation of new authority. new kinds of communities. Editors and contributors to the first volume in the African Perspectives book series. L-R: Derek Peterson, Anne Pitcher, Kelly Askew, Leslie James, Stephanie Newell, Rebecca Jones, Not pictured: Wale Adebanwi.

14 | alliances • FALL 2017 • AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER • ii.umich.edu/asc ii.umich.edu/asc • AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER • FALL 2017 • alliances | 15 UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN at the

African BY ANDRIESWorld COETZEE Festival

ASC Director Kelly Askew, Henrike Florusbosch, and U-M ASC's Henrike Florusbosch greeting AWF attendees Faculty Nyeema Harris at AWF

The African Studies Center (ASC) and the Department of Afroamerican and African Studies (DAAS) represented U-M at the 35th African World Festival (AWF) in Detroit, August 18-20, 2017. his annual celebration of African culture is hosted by the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, and brings together Tmore than 150 vendors of various African visual arts, handcrafted items, apparel, accessories and foods. It is attended by over 150,000 visitors, and represents one of the largest celebrations of African culture in the US. The U-M booth was staffed by volunteers from the ASC and DAAS, who distributed information about the various Africa related activities at the University, and answered many questions about admissions and financial aid from prospective students and their families. The U-M booth also provided an opportunity for the many U-M alumni from the Detroit area to reminisce about the happy times they spent at the University. It was a festive event, bringing together varied African ASC's Henrike Florusbosch, Kelly Askew, Cindy Nguyen at the African World Festival cultures, and celebrating the richness of our diversity and our unity. Remaking the across different sites of protest, both past and present—and the challenges that they pose for scholarly practice in the humanities and the social sciences that we Humanities in Africa wanted to interrogate at this workshop. The organizers assembled a rich AN UPDATE program, aiming to place a large cohort of scholars and activists involved in the BY DEREK PETERSON AND JUDITH IRVINE American political theater into dialogue with students and activists from Wits he University of Michigan’s Roy (Sociology), Alf Nilsen (Society Work and other South African universities. At African Studies Center and and Development Institute), Shireen the last minute, however, the program the Wits Institute for Social Hassim (Politics), Moshibudi Motimele had to be radically curtailed, as South T Research are in the middle (Politics graduate student), and Keith African universities entered a state of stages of a five-year program of activity Breckenridge (History). crisis. With most of the delegation from entitled ‘Joining Theory and Empiricism in Witwatersrand unable to come to Ann Our shared objective was to place the Remaking of the African Humanities: Arbor, we pared back the workshop to student-led movements in South Africa A Transcontinental Collaboration’. The a few key events. There was a lively and into conversation with forms of activism program—which is generously supported vigorous discussion occasioned by the at other times and places, and particularly by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation— panel ‘Scholar Activists and Contemporary with the Black Lives Matter movement has the goal of exposing scholars to Social Movements’ featuring Keeanga in the United States. A defining feature the particular research philosophies, Taylor (Princeton), Barbara Ransby (UIUC), of student activism—both in the recent one theoretical, the other empirical, Kidada Williams (Wayne State) and Julian past and in our turbulent present—has that are dominant in the universities of Brown (Wits). That occasion—convened a been the presence of transnational flows Southern Africa and North America. In few days after the election that brought of idioms, affects, practices, ideas, and the process we intend to strengthen and Donald Trump to power—was attended by aspirations between and across sites deepen collaboration in the study of the a large and very engaged audience. There of popular protest. For example, black humanities at the universities of Michigan was a similarly large audience for a lecture popular movements in the U.S.—from the and the Witwatersrand. We have in mind given by the law scholar Nandini Sundar, civil rights and black power movements three specific goals for the research: of the University of Delhi, which concerned to Black Lives Matter—have both drawn that it should, first, engage ambitious her efforts to secure rights for the victims on and contributed to transnational theoretical questions; second, explore of mass violence in India. The workshop traditions of resistance to racism and the boundary between the humanities concluded with a well-attended and colonialism. Protests centered on the and the social sciences; and third, engage provocative lecture from Achille Mbembe decolonization and decommodification closely with the African continent in a (Wits), who spoke on ‘Knowledge Futures of institutions of higher learning in manner that addresses an international and the Humanities Today’. scholarly audience. South Africa fall within the orbit of a long trajectory of student activism on In the past academic year we have the African continent and organized two major workshops under the elsewhere. However, these umbrella of this collaboration. transnational flows do not render eruptions of protest November 2016: ‘Political everywhere all the same. Subjectivities and Popular Rather, the idioms, affects, ideas, and aspirations Protest’ in Ann Arbor that constitute the stuff This workshop—the sixth installment in of these flows are shaped the series—was led by an interdisciplinary and molded in very specific group, including (from UM) Matthew ways as they come to be Countryman (History), Amanda Alexander embedded in particular (Afroamerican & African Studies), Victoria sites of resistance and Langland (History), Tara Weinberg mobilization. It is precisely (History graduate student), and Derek this dialectic—the dialectic Peterson (History), and (from Wits) Srila between transnational flows and vernacular knowledges Attendees of the June 2017 Maropeng conference

16 | alliances • FALL 2017 • AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER • ii.umich.edu/asc June 2017: ‘Performance and Political Action’ in Johannesburg This seventh workshop in the series was held at Maropeng (Magaliesburg), South Africa, over the course of a week in June. The occasion was organized by Naomi Andre, Judy Irvine, and Kelly Askew, from UM; Innocentia Mhlambi and Donato Somma from Wits; and Liz Gunner from the University of Johannesburg.

The workshop was conceived as interdisciplinary, bringing together scholars working on the arts of performance, large and small, as they Matthew Countryman, Kidada Williams, Julian Brown, Keeanga Taylor, and Barbara Ransby at the ‘Scholar relate to Africa and its diasporas. Activists’ panel, November 2016 Performance and performativity go far beyond the theatrical and spectacular in Johannesburg with a visit to the area workshop,” “It was a superb workshop… to interactions on many other scales. around the Market Theatre, an important The interdisciplinary approach was A dismissive shrug, a new political site in the anti-apartheid struggle. productive and the participants were a slogan, the presence or absence of The area includes several museums good mix,” “Please do it again and I am applause can index vast registers and and galleries, as well as the Market in,” “I really cannot overstate how grateful I repertoires of political engagement. Theatre itself. The conference program am to have been able to participate in this Verbal performances, from story-telling at Maropeng included panels on South workshop. I learned a great deal and was and speech-making to comedy and satire, African Opera, ‘Performing in Speaking’, reenergized in my own work. …I greatly can produce and sustain ideologies, performance and migrants’ experience, value the relationships I was able to forge manage and challenge social positions, performance and diaspora, and activism. with scholars from Michigan and several and accomplish all manner of social acts. In the afternoon of June 26 Marthe Djilo African universities.” And the performance of religious rites Kamga performed Angalia Ni Mimi, and rhetoric extends communicative her multimedia memoir on the migrant Looking Ahead interactions to otherworldly domains as experience. On the final evening we held well as engaging social life in the here an informal wrap-up session to pull In November 2017 the eighth workshop and now. These modes of performance themes together and discuss possibilities in the series will be convened in Ann appear in diverse genres and wide- for the future. Arbor on the theme ‘Decolonizing Sites ranging media, from live venues and of Culture in Africa and Beyond’. The face-to-face interactions to radio, film, The workshop was counted a great occasion will draw together a group of television, and social media. Performance success. Its interdisciplinary composition, curators, historians, archaeologists, is a semiotically rich field. along with a relatively relaxed schedule artists and cultural producers to together that permitted intensive discussion— discuss the enduring role of ‘tribal’ Included in our workshops were music, and a superb venue, the Maropeng classification systems in contemporary gesture, dance, theater, and spectacle as Hotel—contributed to the very positive African museums. What does decolonizing well as discourse, text (oral or written), atmosphere and effect. Everyone found such museums entail? The workshop is and acts of speaking. Rather than the format congenial and the discussions being organized by Ray Silverman, Geoff focusing on a specific geographical engaging, and many participants planned Emberling, and Laura De Becker (of UM); location or time period, the workshop new collaborations, or continued existing Sarah Duff (of Wits); and Cynthia Kros (of sought to explore how the arts of ones. As some of the participants Pretoria). performance, broadly defined, mediate commented afterwards (others wrote among identity, culture, society, and in the same vein): “This was a fantastic We are all grateful to the Mellon politics. The workshop activities began experience for me,” “Really loved this Foundation, the University of Michigan and the University of the Witwatersrand, as well as to the very capable I really cannot overstate how grateful I am to have been able to participate administrative support from Henrike in this workshop. I learned a great deal and was reenergized in my own Florusbosch and Najibha Deshmukh, for work. …I greatly value the relationships I was able to forge with scholars making these workshops possible. from Michigan and several African universities.

ii.umich.edu/asc • AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER • FALL 2017 • alliances | 17 AFRICAN ART EXHIBITS

at BY HENRIKE FLORUSBOSCH UMMA n academic year 2016-17, ASC co-sponsored the exhibition “Traces: Reconstructing the I Chokwe mask, History of a Chokwe Mask,” University of which was on display at U-M’s Michigan Museum of Art, Gift of Museum of Art (UMMA) from October Candis and Helmut 22, 2016 and January 22, 2017. The Stern, 2005/1.201 exhibition was curated by Laura de Becker, Helmut & Candis Stern to this public talk for a general Associate Curator of African art and on view in the Museum’s Brandon audience, De Becker also led a gallery Bridge Gallery from May 12 through member of ASC’s African Heritage tour for ASC’s UMAPS scholars, who Initiative (AHI) steering committee. At September 2, 2018. For more appreciated the opportunity to see the information on the exhibitions and the core of the temporary exhibition art up close and engage the curator in was one artwork from UMMA’s African associated events, see umma.umich. conversation. edu. holdings: a Chokwe mask that was collected in 1905 near the Angolan In the coming academic year, ASC is ASC’s own art might be on display city of Dundo by German explorer again co-sponsor for two temporary Leo Frobenius. Through photographs, at UMMA in the future as well. With exhibitions drawn from UMMA’s the move to Weiser Hall and the historical sources and objects, the African collections. The first exhibition, exhibition told the story of not only resulting reduction of wall space, “Power Contained: The Art of ASC needed to find a new home for this mask, but also some of the Authority in Central and West Africa,” individuals whose lives are connected its painting “The Founding of the focuses on the famous minkisi (or African Union” that most recently to the artifact that passed through “power figure”) sculptures of Central their hands. hung in room 3622 in the “old” ASC. Africa and other objects used to ASC commissioned this painting In a curator’s talk, De Becker express authority in several historical from renowned Ethiopian painter expanded on the exhibition’s premise societies in present-day Nigeria, Qes Adama Tesfaw in 2009. It is by presenting her findings from trying Ghana, the Democratic Republic of the now on long-term loan at UMMA, to track the mask’s 7,500 miles’ Congo and Cameroon. The exhibition, where it is currently in storage, but journey spanning a hundred years and curated by Laura de Becker, is on might well be on display as part of three continents. A main conclusion display in UMMA’s Bandon Bridge a the new permanent installation to be drawn from this research is that Gallery from August 19 through of UMMA’s African holdings. As painstaking research can reveal much December 31, 2017, with a curator’s part of the preparatory process of additional information about objects “In Conversation” presentation being reimagining the permanent exhibit, that too often are attributed only in scheduled for October 1. The second ASC-affiliated faculty Raymond vague terms to “artist unknown,” or exhibition, “Unrecorded,” explores Silverman (History of Art and DAAS) more recently “artist unrecorded.” themes such as how artists from and Laura De Becker (UMMA) are However, gaps in our knowledge Africa became ‘anonymous’ to current organizing a lecture series in fall will surely remain, such as the long challenges surrounding museum 2017 featuring some of the leading period that UMMA's Chokwe mask representations of named African curators of African art in the US. This spent in the hands of one or more artists. The exhibition is curated by lecture series is being co-sponsored Europeam art collectors. In addition Allison Martino, UMMA’s 2016-2017 by ASC’s African Heritage Initiative. Mellon Curatorial Fellow, and will be

18 | alliances • FALL 2017 • AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER • ii.umich.edu/asc 2017 STEM-IV CONVENES IN YAOUNDÉ, CAMEROON A Transformative International Conference Cover of STEM-IV conference program BY A. OVETA FULLER

Cameroonian graduate students One of the “International Frontiers in Science” sessions with Professor Frank Anderson and with UMAPS presenters from Ethiopia and Ghana Interim ASC Director A. Oveta Fuller

he STEM-Africa Initiative from the University of Yaoundé. The Systems for Wellness, Women in Science of the African Studies U-M Conference Organizing Committee and Engineering, STEM for Industrial Center (ASC) has convened was composed of Professors Dan Burns Transformation, Learning from STEM T a conference of African and Nkem Khumbah who hold annual Partnerships, Peer to Peer Networks, education and research partners almost mathematics workshops in Cameroon, Funding STEM Initiatives and Preparing every other year since 2010. On May 29 STEM-Africa Initiative co-coordinators the Next Generation. All presentations will - June 2, 2017 over 420 attendees (the Professors Rebecca Hardin and Aline soon be accessible from our website. largest number yet of attendees for one Cotel, and Interim ASC Director Oveta of our STEM conferences) gathered at the Fuller in conjunction with faculty active Four stimulating and informative Conference Center and Mont Febe Hotel in with the STEM-Africa steering committee. “International Frontiers of Science” Yaoundé, Cameroon for STEM-Africa IV. sessions were interwoven throughout the STEM-Africa IV officially opened with a conference to showcase some of our U-M Faculty, college and university students, video greeting from U-M President Dr. African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) researchers and government officials Mark Schlissel and a special ceremonial alumni from Ghana, Ethiopia, Nigeria and engaged with an international cadre of 42 greeting involving four top officials from South Africa. These sessions also explored presenters and discussants on the theme the office of Cameroonian Prime Minister how to best translate educational and “Africa-US Frontiers in Science.” The Philemon Yang, an official representing research advances from one country to conference goal was to initiate sustainable the US Ambassador to Cameroon, and the another. partnerships in STEM education and Interim ASC Director. research to enable discovery of new Opening and closing evening dinner knowledge, increase educational capacity Professor S. Jack Hu, U-M Vice President celebrations were hosted by the Minister and quality, and facilitate knowledge for Research and J. Reid and Polly of Scientific Research and Innovation transfer for addressing global, regional and Anderson Professor of Manufacturing, Dr. Madeleine Tchuinte and the Minister community issues. was the Keynote Speaker for the plenary of Higher Education Dr. Jacques Fame session “Partnering for Research, Ndongo. They featured the National STEM-IV was chaired in Yaoundé by Innovation and Economic Development.” Dancers of Cameroon, musicians Professor Charles Owono of CETIC performing on an array of African and Dr. Uphie Chinje Milo, Director of Twelve ninety-minute sessions addressed instruments, and the national jazz band MIPROMALO with assistance from UMAPS topics from Environment, Climate and while providing ample opportunity for alumnus (2015-16) Dr. Jacques Tagoudjeu Sustainability to Biomedical and Clinical discussions, interactions and planning

ii.umich.edu/asc • AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER • FALL 2017 • alliances | 19 Growing Collaborations in Ethiopia Professor Uphie Chinje Milo, Co- organizer, Cameroon and presenter BY MANDIRA BANNERJEE Vice Chancellor Gil Lee Young of Kumi University, Uganda “As the University of Michigan begins our third century, we are eager to U-M STEM-Africa Professor Nyeema work with our Ethiopian partners Harris presents to solve problems, to make new among all the conference attendees. discoveries and to create meaningful change,” exclaimed the University of Beyond engaging exchange and learning, making Michigan President Mark Schlissel in new connections, and an opening video message to more initiating collaborations, U-M Vice President for than 150 faculty and students who Research Professor Hu had gathered in Addis Ababa from and Cameroonian Minister Dr. Tchuinte confirmed a plan to actively enhance research 11-14 July, 2017, for the Third Annual alliances designed to transform the educational Ethiopia-Michigan Collaborative infrastructure of this central African country. Such Consortium (EMC2) Conference. a partnership fits the Cameroonian “Agenda 2035” strategic plan and Minister Tchuinte’s goal of 100 his message emulate the theme of the new doctorate level Cameroonian faculty in the next conference, titled, “ETHIOPIAN FUTURES: 5 years. MOVING FORWARD.” This year’s theme Conference attendees from across Africa and in T continues to draw back on the driving force the US will continue to build upon specific topics, that initiated the EMC2: the commitment to create including: a transformative platform that would allow faculty and student partners in Ethiopia and U-M to develop »» Science policy and programming for economic and models for effective global partnerships that are sustainable development; truly collaborative, sustainable, and based on mutual »» Strategic planning for increasing broad access to benefit. quality higher education; »» Partnering, new alliances and use of African Centers Participants from Addis Ababa University, the of Excellences and other government or community Ethiopian Public Health Institute, St. Paul’s Millennium resources; Medical College, the University of Gondar, the University of Axum, U-M, and other organizations » Knowledge transfer to move science and » across Ethiopia immersed themselves in a four- technology into wider applications; day conference full of lively dialogues and cultural »» Discovery and transfer of discoveries from within exchanges. The first day was a kick-off celebration, the academy to industry; done in a traditional “American-style BBQ” with »» STEM education models to lead to industrial, remarks from U-M African Studies Center (ASC) education and economic transformation. interim director, Oveta Fuller, professor Wuletaw Chane from Addis Ababa University, and U-M vice provost

20 | alliances • FALL 2017 • AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER • ii.umich.edu/asc We are constantly seeking ways to bring new opportunities and perspectives to U-M’s educational and research activities in Africa - A. Oveta Fuller

for global engagement and relationships. It infuses interdisciplinary academic energy and also showcases affairs, James Holloway. The the deep connections the next three days were divided University of Michigan into three central focuses: has built in Ethiopia,” said “Defining the Future of Holloway. Second-year Ethiopia through Ethiopian medical student from Lenses,” “Developing/ Attendees of the EMC2 U-M, Rodger Michael conference at the opening Growing Collaborations,” Moore, attended the ceremony and “Bringing it All Together, conference for those Plans for the Future.” The exact reasons—to build conference provided an open partnerships for his low cost hospitals in Addis Ababa. and welcoming environment device for automated pap His experience was just one that showcased the varied smears. Because Ethiopia example of how the EMC2 and interdisciplinary topics is transitioning from Conference had opened new and interests, providing time communicable diseases avenues for relationships and for participants to learn about to chronic diseases like innovations. Ethiopian cultures and about cancer and diabetes, new effective approaches for “We have to form partnerships challenges arise. Ethiopia long lasting collaborations. to solve society’s problems,” has one pathologist for Whether it was over a meal said Senait Fisseha, U-M every 1 million women, or during an engaging panel, adjunct professor of obstetrics participants were able to which reflects the few and gynecology, who was the U-M medical student opportunities available Roger Michael Moore share their research and top strategic advisor for Tedros who attended the EMC2 for patients to receive an conference to to build ideas. Topics ranged from soil Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the partnerships for his low restoration and conservation, early diagnosis. Michael is first African director at the cost device for automated to conducting the first cervical hopeful and energized to World Health Organization. pap smears cancer survey in Ethiopia, to make changes in the device Fisseha first invited Dr. Tedros the public visual cultures, and after meeting with and to U-M in 2011 when he was Ethiopia since 1991, studying many more. receiving feedback from the health minister of Ethiopia the visual traditions of the doctors and pathologists to discuss partnerships that country, in particular those “Bringing partners and from St. Paul Millenium has grown to include more associated with the Ethiopian researchers together sparks Medical College and Black than 10 schools and colleges. Orthodox Church. He was able new connections and Lion, two of the biggest public U-M is committed to mutually to share their idea on a panel beneficial relationships as with four other Ethiopian the university explores ways partners who were able to give to deepen and expand the feedback for their art exhibit. exchange. “We are constantly Raymond Silverman, professor seeking ways to bring new of History of Art at the College opportunities and perspectives of Literature, Science, and the to U-M’s educational and Arts, and Laura De Becker, research activities in Africa,” associate curator of African said Fuller. The EMC2 Art at U-M Museum of Art, Conference succeeded developed an idea for an in continuing to build a Ethiopian art exhibition in strong foundation for open Ann Arbor and Addis Ababa. collaborations between U-M Silverman has been working in and Ethiopian partners. Admasu Tsegaye, President, Addis Ababa University with James Holloway, Vice Provost for Global Engagement and Interdisciplinary Academic Affairs at U-M, A. Oveta Fuller, Interim Director of U-M’s African Studies Center, and Valeria Bertacco Professor in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at U-M College of Engineering ii.umich.edu/asc • AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER • FALL 2017 • alliances | 21 22 | alliances • FALL 2017 • AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER • ii.umich.edu/asc

initiative UPDATES African Keynote speakers at the U-M Endangered Heritage Heritage Conference from L-R: Giancarlo Marcone, Rasmi Shoocongdej, Gurmeet Rai, Salam Al Initiative Kuntar, George Abungu. AHI UPDATE heritage and the U-M to explore threats The AHI steering committee was also to heritage worldwide—ranging from BY HENRIKE FLORUSBOSCH involved in selecting the incoming cohort war to climate change to globalization of UMAPS scholars and managing the and economic development—as well as seed grants program for faculty research he African Heritage Initiative (AHI) strategies that have been developed furthering collaborative research in concluded another full year of locally and globally to mitigate these the humanities and qualitative social Tactivities, including two workshops threats. The invited speaker on behalf as part of the Mellon-sponsored of the ASC’s AHI was George Abungu, sciences in Africa. The three UMAPS partnership with the University of the past director of the National Museums of scholars working on projects in the Witwatersrand, which are described Kenya. Dr. Abungu’s presentation drew Humanities are introduced elsewhere elsewhere (p. 15) in this newsletter. AHI on his long experience working within (see p. 24). The following seed grant also participated in a symposium on the UNESCO framework, where he has projects were funded: “Endangered Heritage,” which was jointly served on numerous committees. One »» Adam Ashforth (DAAS) and organized by a number of International of the contributions that he and other collaborators in Cape Town, South Institute centers, and sponsored a talk Africa-based heritage experts have Africa, “‘Madumo Revisited’ and the on multilingualism in the Casamance over the years been able to make to Accidental Archive.” by SOAS-based Friederike Lüpke. Also UNESCO over the years, is the insight »» Raymond Silverman (DAAS and organized under the auspices of AHI was that natural and cultural heritage are History of Art) and William Gblerkpor a week-long campus residency by Karin inextricably entwined. Still, Dr. Abungu (University of Ghana), “Crucible of Barber (University of Birmingham), which highlighted that despite this recognition Innovation: Contemporary Brasswork featured three discussion sessions based and resulting changes in official UNESCO in Ghana.” on close readings of two of her best known policy, other problems associated with works (The Generation of Plays and Print Eurocentric values around heritage »» Brian Stewart (Anthropology), Culture and the First Yoruba Novel) and remain. Other issues that he listed William Challis (University of the her latest manuscript on A History of as particular challenges for heritage Witwatersrand), and Rethabile African Popular Culture. preservation in Africa included lack of Mokhachane, “Kickstarting an appreciation by governments, lack of Ecomuseum in Highland Lesotho.” The February 2017 symposium on community involvement, and lack of Endangered Heritage brought together adequate resources. Dr. Abungu argued Finally, the AHI steering committee was international and U-M experts on that ultimately, heritage able to allot funding to a number of that does not benefit the other faculty-initiated projects, including communities with which it is the digitization of the sound and video associated, is of little value. archives of the Ugandan Broadcasting Corporation (Derek Peterson, History), Other speakers at the a heritage project at the site of El Kurru Endangered Heritage in northern Sudan (Geoff Emberling, symposium highlighted Suzanne Davis, Kelsey Museum of the challenges of heritage Archaeology), and a documentary preservation in the particular film on LGTBQ African women (Frieda contexts in which they Ekotto, DAAS). Plans are under way for worked, including the “Inca an AHI-sponsored workshop on linguistic Road” in Peru or the material anthropology to be held in Cape Town, heritage of war-torn Syria South Africa, in early 2018. and Iraq. ii.umich.edu/asc • AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER • FALL 2017 • alliances | 23

STEM-AFRICA UPDATE BY ALINE COTEL Uganda), “Characterization of active compounds of Artemisia annua L. that Science, Technology, mediate malaria prophylactic effects.” »» Aline Cotel (Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Engineering) and Derek Stretch (University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa), “Biological/physical Mathematics–Africa interactions in South Africa’s his past academic year has been Invited speakers came from academia, estuaries.” incredibly productive for the STEM industry, government, and NGOs »» Lori Isom (Medicine) and Priscilla TAfrica initiative. A lot of effort providing an amazing breadth of Mante (Kwame Nkrumah University focused on the STEM IV conference, which knowledge and expertise for conference of Science and Technology, Ghana), took place in Yaounde Cameroon, May 29 participants. UMAPS scholars (past “Pharmacological Characterization of to June 2, 2017. Our local partners were and upcoming) were involved in a large Potential Antiepileptic Agents from CETIC (Centre d’Excellence Africain en number of sessions either as invited Plant Sources.” Technologies de l’Information et de la speakers, moderators and/or organizers. »» Janis Miller (School of Nursing) and Communication), University of Yaounde It was wonderful to see these familiar Alain Mukwege (School of Nursing) for I and MIPROMALO (Mission pour la faces and catch up on all the amazing research related to “Relationship of Promotion des Matériaux Locaux) in work our UMAPS scholars are up to. A genital body image and the practice conjunction with the Ministry of Higher record number of ministers from the of labia minora elongation: A case- Education and Ministry of Scientific Cameroonian government attended control study of Congolese Women.” Research and Innovation. There were more the conference, including Dr. Madeleine »» Laura Rozek (School of Public Health) than 300 participants from Cameroon, Tchuinte, Minister of Scientific Research and Bereket Berhane (Saint Paul's other parts of the continent, North and Innovation, and Mr. Jacques Fame Hospital Millennium Medical College, America, and Europe representing the Ndongo, Minister of Higher Education. Ethiopia), “Pilot Study to Implement various areas of STEM in 12 sessions that Cervical Cancer Self-Screening in Addis provided platforms to make connections During the conference, preliminary talks Ababa.” and build bridges across countries and between Dr. Madeleine Tchuinte and Dr. disciplines. Jack Hu, U-M Associate VP for Research, The committee members also reviewed led to proposals to increase partnerships a record number of UMAPS STEM Details on the sessions and invited between the University of Michigan and applicants. We look forward to the speakers can be found at: ii.umich. Cameroonian institutions in terms of 2017-18 UMAPS cohort featuring edu/asc/initiatives/stem/biennial- both students and faculty collaborations. scholars in biochemistry, biology, space conferences/stem4-frontiers-in-science. physics, human ecology, physiology and The STEM-Africa initiative was also pharmacology. involved in managing the seed grants Katrin Tirok from UKZN, showing Lake St Lucia, program for collaborative faculty Other activities include continued South Basin, off the management jetty (part of research in STEM disciplines. The efforts related to the creation of a Seed Grant project awarded to Aline Cotel following six projects were funded: Science Corps first proposed by Brian »» Tierra Bills (Civil and Environmental Arbic (U-M Geology, STEM Africa Engineering) and Joseph Sevilla Committee). The entire committee is (Strathmore University, Kenya), “An fully supportive of the concept and this Electronic Travel Survey System using could become an umbrella for other Mixed Sources.” activities involving a number of U-M faculty. Partnership possibilities with »»Cheong-Hee Chang (Medicine) and other agencies such as CRDF Global are Ogwang Patrick Engeu (Mbarara currently being explored. University of Science and Technology, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN SENYO ADZEI has been teaching African Music since 2005 and has been at the University African UMAPS UPDATE of Cape Coast, Ghana, since 2011 where he is also pursuing a PhD in Ethnomusicology. He has a BMus and an MPhil in Music from the Presidential University of Ghana. He also has a Certificate in Western Music from the Sibelius Academy in Finland. Senyo’s research project is “An Scholars Ethnomusicological Inquiry in the Creative Processes in Shrine Music of the Awudome ASC welcomes the 2017-2018 People of Ghana.” He has also researched “The Status of Music Therapy in Ghana" and "The Praxes of Music U-M African Presidential Scholars Dance and Drama in Healing Rituals in Ghana." Senyo’s mentor is ASC is pleased to welcome the 10th cohort of University of Professor Naomi André from the Departments of Afroamerican Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS). These 17 faculty and African Studies, Women’s Studies, and at the Residential representing universities in Ghana, South Africa, Ethiopia, College. Uganda, Liberia, Nigeria and Zambia will be resident in Ann Arbor DEBELA GEMEDA BEDANE is an assistant from late August 2017 through February 2018. professor in the Department of Pharmacology, The UMAPS program, launched in the winter of 2009 with St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical support from the U-M President’s office, to date has welcomed College, Ethiopia. He holds an M.Sc. in 135 early career faculty from ten different African countries. Pharmacology and a B.Pharm. from Addis Scholars are paired with a U-M faculty member for mentorship Ababa University and is a doctoral candidate or collaboration on projects that will help advance their careers working on “Pharmacogenetic Predictors of through a four to six months residency. Antidepressant Drug Response.” His research interests include pharmacogenetics and “UMAPS was conceived as an intervention to provide neuropharmacology. His mentor is Professor respite and academic resources to talented early- Srijan Sen, Psychiatry, Medical School. career faculty and to enhance research environments ODUR BENARD is an assistant lecturer in in African universities, as well as to internationalize the Department of Statistical Methods and U-M through new collaborations and partnerships Actuarial Science at Makerere University, Uganda. He holds an M.Sc. in Statistics with African scholars,” (Bio-statistics) and a B.Sc. in Statistics and explains Kelly Askew, director of the African Studies Center and Mathematics from Makerere University. He professor of anthropology, and Afroamerican and African studies. also served as a Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant with the Office of the Prime The UMAPS program is supported with funding from the Minister of Uganda. While at U-M, Odur President's and Provost's Offices, the South African Initiatives will conduct “A Retrospective Analysis of Office in the Department of Afroamerican and African Studies Progression in Neonatal and Infant Mortality (DAAS), and the Center for International Reproductive Health Drivers in Uganda from 1995-2016.” His mentor is Professor Brisa Training (CIRHT). For the third consecutive year, a portion of Sanchez, Biostatistics, School of Public Health. the funding from the president and provost is allocated to supporting Ethiopian faculty with the hope of strengthening ties KALILU S. DONZO is a lecturer in the with institutions in Ethiopia. Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Liberia. Kalilu has a BSc in The UMAPS program encourages each scholar to immerse her/ Biology from the University of Liberia and himself in university life as they are provided with full access to a MSc in Plant Biotechnology from Kerala campus research materials and facilities, attend seminars and Agricultural University in Kerala, India. While classes, and present papers in conferences and workshops to at U-M, Kalilu plans to pursue advanced fully engage with U-M faculty and students. These activities training in molecular biology techniques promote lasting scholarly relationships to support ongoing to introduce research-based techniques at faculty development in Africa and capacity building for their the University of Liberia. Kalilu’s mentor home institutions. The 2017-2018 University of Michigan African is Professor W. Clay Brown, Life Sciences Presidential Scholars are: Institute.

24 | alliances • FALL 2017 • AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER • ii.umich.edu/asc VERONICA MILLICENT DZOMEKU is a senior lecturer in the Department of Nursing at KNUST, in Kumasi, Ghana. She has a Ph.D. from the School of Nursing at the University of the Western Cape, South Africa, as well as an M.Phil. in Nursing and B.A. (Hons.) in Nursing and Psychology from the University of Ghana. While at U-M, Veronica will be working on an “Exploration of Expectations and Experiences of Mothers toward Childbirth Care.” Her mentor is Professor Jodi Lori, School of Nursing.

THELMA FENNIE is an associate lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of the Western Cape, South Africa. She has an M.Phil. in HIV/AIDS Management from Stellenbosch University and a B.A. (Hons.) in Psychology from University of the Western Cape. She is a Ph.D. candidate in Educational Psychology at the University of the Western Cape. While at U-M, Thelma will be “Exploring Psychological Effects of Adolescent Girls Experiences from Menarche and Menstruation in a School Setting.” Her research areas are adolescents’ sexual- and reproductive health, HIV/AIDS and women’s education. She has published in peer-reviewed journals. Her mentor is Professor Rona Carter in the Department of Psychology.

AUDREY KALINDI is a lecturer at the University of Zambia in the Department of Population Studies. Audrey has a B.A. in Demography and a M.A. in Population Studies from the University of Zambia, with a post graduate diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation from Stellenbosch University, South Africa. Audrey will be researching “Factors that Affect Use of Maternal Health Services, HIV Testing and Linkage to Medical Care in Zambia”. Her mentor is Professor A. Oveta Fuller, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School.

PAMELA KHANAKWA is a lecturer in the Department of History, Archaeology and MESTEWAT DEBASU MOGNHODIE is a lecturer Heritage Studies at Makerere University, in the Department of Biochemistry, St. Kampala, Uganda. Pamela has a Ph.D. and Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College in M.A. in History from Northwestern University Ethiopia. She holds an M.Sc. degree in Medical as well as B.A. and M.A. degrees in History Biochemistry and B.Sc. in Applied Biology from Makerere University. Her research project from Addis Ababa University and is a doctoral is entitled, “Bagisu Men Don’t Cry: Imbalu and candidate working on “The Exploration and the Construction of Masculinities in Uganda,” Utilization of Glycan-Based Biomarkers for and her mentor is Professor Derek Peterson, Breast Cancer Patients on Chemotherapy in Departments of Afroamerican and African Ethiopia.” Her research interest includes Genetics Studies and History, LSA. and Molecular Biology. Her mentor is Professor David Lubman, Surgery Department, Medical School.

ii.umich.edu/asc • AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER • FALL 2017 • alliances | 25 MOSES MUHUMUZA is associate professor of MTHOKOZISI SIMELANE is a lecturer of Human Ecology and Director of Postgraduate Biological Sciences at the University of Studies and Research, School of Agriculture Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. Mthokozisi and Environmental Sciences, Mountains of received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry, M.Sc. in the Moon University, Uganda. He has a Ph.D. Biochemistry and B.Sc. (Hons.) in Medical in Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences Science and Biochemistry from the University from the University of the Witwatersrand, of Zululand. At U-M, he will be researching Johannesburg South Africa, as well as a B.Sc. “Ursolic Acid Acetate as a Promising Agent of Education in Biology and Chemistry and for Malarial Chemotherapy.” His mentor is an M.Sc. in Biology from Mbarara University Professor Vernon Carruthers, Department of Science and Technology, Uganda. While of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical at U-M, he will be researching “Holistic Community-based School. Biodiversity Conservation in National Parks in Rural Africa.” His mentor is Professor Nyeema Harris, Department of Ecology and ZEWDU JIMA TAKLE is a lecturer in the Evolutionary Biology, LSA. Department of Physiology, St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College in Ethiopia. PRECIOUS NDLOVU is a lecturer of Law at He holds an M.Sc. degree in Physiology the University of the Western Cape, South from Addis Ababa University and a B.Sc. in Africa. She holds an LL.D. and LL.M. from the Physiotherapy from University of Gondar. University of the Western Cape and an LL.B. Zewdu is a doctoral candidate researching from the University of Fort Hare, South Africa. “The Molecular Signaling Mechanisms in While at U-M, Precious will be researching the Vessel Wall after Stroke and Pathways “The Economics of Mergers and Acquisitions Mediated by Vascular Endothelial Growth in Africa’s Regional Competition Law Factor (VEGF).” His research interests include Frameworks: An Examination of the COMESA vascular biology and neuroscience. His mentor is Professor Competition Commission.” Her mentor is Daniel Lawrence, Cardiovascular Medicine, Medical School. Professor Laura Beny, Law School. SOLOMON ASSEFA WORETA is an assistant professor MELESSEW NIGUSSIE is an assistant professor in the Department of Health Informatics at the and researcher in the Physics Department University of Gondar, Ethiopia. He has a M.Ph. in at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia. He has Health Informatics as well as a B.Sc. in Medical a B.Sc. in Physics and an M.Sc. in Space Laboratory Technology from the University of Gondar. Physics from Bahir Dar University. In 2014 he His research at U-M will focus on “Evidence-Based was awarded a Ph.D. in Space Physics from Public Health Practice for Screening Hypertension Bahir Dar University in collaboration with the in Ethiopian Public Hospitals.” Solomon’s mentor is International Center for Theoretical Physics, Professor Minal Patel, Health Behavior and Health Italy. At U-M, Melessew will be “Investigating Education, School of Public Health. Triggering Mechanisms of Ionospheric Irregularities in the Equatorial Ionosphere.” His YIKUNNOAMLAK MEZGEBU ZERABIRUK mentor is Professor Mark Moldwin, Climate and Space Sciences, is a lecturer in the College of Humanities, College of Engineering. Language Studies, Journalism and Communications at Addis Ababa University. OLUWAKEMI A. ROTIMI is a lecturer and He has a B.A. in Ethiopian Languages researcher of Biological Sciences at Covenant and Literature (Amharic), an M.A. in University, Nigeria. Oluwakemi has a Ph.D. Journalism and Communication, and an in Biochemistry, Toxicology option, as well M.A. in Philosophy from Addis Ababa as a B.Sc. (Hons.) and M.Sc. in Biochemistry University. He will be researching “From from the Federal University of Agriculture, Competition to Composition: Languages, Abeokuta, Nigeria. While at U-M, Oluwakemi Regions and Religions in an Ethiopian will be researching “The Role of Epigenetics Literature.” Yikunnoamlak’s mentors are Professors Judith in the Toxicity of Environmental Exposures.” Irvine, Department of Anthropology, LSA, and Daniel Herwitz, Her mentor is Professor Jaclyn Goodrich, Departments of History of Art and Comparative Literature, LSA. Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health.

26 | alliances • FALL 2017 • AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER • ii.umich.edu/asc THURSDAYS 2017-2018 UMAPS 3-5:30 PM Colloquium Series Each UMAPS fellow will have the chance to present their scholarly work in a session of an ongoing monthly series. Talks prepared and presented by each visiting scholar are designed to increase skills in effective communications, to promote dialogue on topics, and to share the research with the larger U-M community. All are invited to attend to 1/ 11, UMAPS Colloquium (#5) – grasp the range and depth of work occurring through the UMAPS partnerships. Social Sciences II WOLVERINE ROOM, MICHIGAN UNION 10/5, UMAPS Colloquium (#1) – 11/ 9, UMAPS Colloquium (#3) – A Retrospective Analysis of Social Sciences I Humanities Progression in Neonatal and Infant KALAMAZOO ROOM, MICHIGAN LEAGUE, KOESSLER ROOM, MICHIGAN LEAGUE Mortality Drivers in Uganda (1995- 2016) Exploration of Expectations and Bagisu Men Don’t Cry: Imbalu and Experiences of Mothers toward the Construction of Masculinities in ODUR BENARD, Statistics, Makerere Childbirth Care Uganda University, Uganda VERONICA DZOMEKU, Nursing, KNUST, PAMELA KHANAKWA, History, Makerere The Economics of Mergers and Ghana University, Uganda Acquisitions in Africa’s Regional Competition Law Frameworks: Exploring Psychological Effects of From Competition to Composition: An Examination of the COMESA Adolescent Girls’ Experiences of Languages, Regions and Religions Competition Commission Menarche & Menstruation in School in an Ethiopian Literature Settings PRECIOUS NDLOVU, LAW, University of YIKUNNOAMLAK MEZGEBU, Literature, the Western Cape, South Africa THELMA FENNIE, Psychology, University Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia of the Westewrn Cape, South Africa, Evidence-Based Public Health Radio, Cyberspace, and the Practice for Screening Hypertension Factors that Affect Use of Maternal Repatriation of African Musical in Ethiopian Public Hospitals Health Services, HIV Testing and Heritage Linkage to Medical Care in Zambia SOLOMON ASSEFA, Health Informatics, PAUL CONWAY & KELLY ASKEW, University of Gondar, Ethiopia AUDREY KALINDi, Population Studies, University of Michigan University of Zambia 2/8, UMAPS Colloquium (#6) – 12/7, UMAPS Colloquium (#4) – 10/12, UMAPS Colloquium (#2) STEM III STEM II KOESSLER ROOM, MICHIGAN LEAGUE – STEM I KOESSLER ROOM, MICHIGAN LEAGUE KOESSLER ROOM, MICHIGAN LEAGUE Advanced Training in Molecular The Role of Epigenetics in the Biology Techniques: Introducing Pharmacogenetic Predictors of Toxicity of Environmental Exposures Research-based Techniques at the Antidepressant Drug Response OLUWAKEMI ROTIMI, Biochemistry, University of Liberia DEBELA GEMEDA BEDANE, Covenant University, Nigeria KALILU DONZO, Biology, University of Pharmacology, St. Paul’s Hospital Liberia Millennium Medical College, Ethiopia The Molecular Signaling Mechanisms in the Vessel Wall after Holistic Community-based Ursolic Acid Acetate as a Promising Stroke and Pathways Mediated by Biodiversity Conservation in Agent for Malarial Chemotherapy Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor National Parks in Rural Africa (VEGF) MTHOKOZISI SIMELANE, Biochemistry, MOSES MUHUMUZA, Human Ecology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, ZEWDU JIMA TAKLE, Physiology, St. Mountains of the Moon University, Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Uganda, The Exploration and Utilization Ethiopia of Glycan-Based Biomarkers Investigation of Triggering for Breast Cancer Patients on Creative Processes in Shrine Music of Mechanisms of Ionospheric Chemotherapy in Ethiopia the Awudome People of Ghana–An Irregularities in the Equatorial Ethnomusicological Inquiry MESTEWAT DEBASU MOGNHODIE, Ionosphere Biochemistry, St. Paul’s Hospital SENYO ADZEI, Music, University of Cape MELESSEW NIGUSSIE GEREME, Physics, Millennium Medical College, Ethiopia Coast, Ghana Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia

ii.umich.edu/asc • AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER • FALL 2017 • alliances | 27 ASRI STATA course 2017, held from July African Social 24 to August 4 at the University of Ghana Research Initiative ASRI UPDATE BY CHERYL MOYER AND ANNE PITCHER

aving hosted the »» Sarah Rominski (Medicine) fourth biennial and Eugene Darteh African Social (University of Cape Coast, HResearch Initiative Ghana), “Measuring sexual conference in July 2016 in violence at the University Members of the ASRI Steering Committee Accra, Ghana, academic of Cape Coast: Developing year 2016-2017 focused on a and deploying a campus return to the core activities climate survey.” of ASRI. We added several »» David Lam (Economics) and new members to the ASRI Nkechi Owoo (University Steering Committee, both at of Ghana, Ghana), “Sibship the University of Michigan and size and health outcomes: amongst our African partners. An assessment of the Sarah Rominski (Medicine), resource-dilution and Omolade Adunbi (DAAS), hygiene hypotheses and Nahomi Ichino (Political among children in Ghana.” Science) were added from the »» Brian Min (Political University of Michigan. Dennis Science) and Carlos Shenga Chirawurah, a UMAPS alumnus (Centro de Pesquisas from the University for sobre Governação e Development Studies (Tamale, Desenvolvimento, Ghana), Phyllis Dako-Gyeke Mozambique), “Evaluating from the University of Ghana the Quality of Democracy (Accra, Ghana), and Alecia in Mozambique through the Ndlovu from the University Lens of all National and of Cape Town (South Africa) Local Elections.” Stata/R courses participants were added from our partner »» Gary Harper (Public Health) institutions. We also continued and Daniel Onyango the planning for our ongoing (Nyanza Rift Valley and STATA and R courses held in Western Kenya Network, Ghana—courses that are now Kenya), “Kujenga Uwezo: driven by our partners with Promoting Health among minimal input and support Kenyan Gay/Bi Men.” from ASRI. Finally, ASRI has spent much ASRI launched its sixth faculty of 2016-2017 working to Seed Grant competition, which update our website: allowed us to fund the following asri.umich.edu. projects:

28 | alliances • FALL 2017 • AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER • ii.umich.edu/asc in the media

ASC, its initiatives, and events are frequently covered in the local campus and national news. Faculty research has been profiled in major journals and news outlets, and ASC social media announcements reach a broad audience. To read more stories, visit ASC’s news page: ii.umich.edu/asc/news-events/news U-M shapes sexual violence prevention program in Ghana University of Michigan researchers are working closely with faculty and students in Ghana to create a sexual violence prevention and education program at the University of Cape Coast. Together they discuss gender-based violence and what it means to give consent to help create a culturally appropriate spin-off of U-M's Relationship Remix. "We are trying to understand the phenomenon of sexual violence within Ghana and how students talk about consent, and Michelle Munro-Kramer (right), assistant professor of nursing, collaborates with Ghanaian what sexual violence and sexual harassment even mean to them," says Michelle Munro-Kramer, students to develop curriculum for a spin-off of assistant professor in the School of Nursing and one of the researchers on the project. "For many U-M's Relationship Remix, Relationship Tidbits. Photo courtesy of Michelle Munro-Kramer of the students, it is the first time the topics are being addressed so openly among men and women in a conservative culture that experiences a high rate of gender inequality," she adds. Read the full story at: bit.ly/asc-news-kramer HIV education focus of LSA professor’s career Nesha Haniff is first and foremost a teacher. She has educated women in the Caribbean about their bodies, low-literate populations in South Africa, the United States and the Caribbean about HIV, and conducted discussions with schoolgirls in Belleville and Muslim girls at Central Academy in Ann Arbor about gender consciousness. Haniff has devoted her life to teaching not just about Nesha Haniff, lecturer IV in Afroamerican and African studies and women’s studies, developed health, but also about how her students can be the owners of knowledge. an HIV education module that has been used around the world. Photo by D. Marshke. Read the full story at: bit.ly/asc-news-haniff Omolade Adunbi on President Obama's legacy in Africa A recent article in the New Republic evaluates President Barack Obama's legacy in Africa, focussing on his "Young African Leadership Initiative" (YALI). In 2016, YALI brought 1,000 young African professionals to the US for a six week professional development program. Omolade Adunbi, associate professor of Afroamerican and African studies, was quoted in the article, comparing the YALI fellows to African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah and Nnamdi Azikiwe, who President Barack Obama at the International studied in the US in the 1930s before going back to lead the independence movements in Conference Centre in Accra, Ghana (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy) Ghana and Nigeria. Adunbi pointed out that the YALI fellows can return to Africa filled with Image from: obamawhitehouse.archives.gov revolutionary fervor, as well as skills and knowledge that can be used to address the 21st-century problems facing the African continent. “They could learn mechanized farming from somewhere like Iowa for instance,” Adunbi says, and “reshape the discussions about the future of the continent.” Read the full story at: bit.ly/asc-news-adunbi ‘Barometer’ provides assessment of mineral resources industry transparency Rod Alence, a member of ASRI’s international steering committee and associate professor in International Relations at the University of the Witwatersrand, was quoted in an article in the Mining Weekly about the importance of transparency in the mining industry. Speaking at the launch of the ‘Southern Africa Mineral Governance Barometer’ report, which took place in Cape Rod Alence: ”Southern Africa’s rich mineral endowment should become a major asset in the Town, February 2017, Alence noted that governments are challenged in their efforts to create quest for inclusive and sustainable development” new approaches to governance that enable them to better exploit the developmental potential provided by mineral resources. He explained that the Southern Africa Resource Watch (SARW) – a natural resource governance project of Johannesburg-based foundation the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa – developed the barometer as a tool to assess the capacity of governments in the region to “rise to these challenges.” Read the full story at: bit.ly/asc-news-alence

ii.umich.edu/asc • AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER • FALL 2017 • alliances | 29 faculty NEWS

Anne Pitcher serves as 2016-17 ASA president

The 59th annual meeting of the African Studies Association (ASA) in Washington DC in December 2016 marked the beginning of Anne Pitcher’s presidency of ASA, a role she carried out in addition to her activities as co-editor of the African Perspectives book series, co-coordinator of ASC’s ASRI and DAAS faculty member. ASC marked Anne’s presidency by hosting a well-attended reception for U-M faculty, students, and alumni (including UMAPS alumni) at ASA’s annual meeting in Washington DC. In the course of her presidency, which will continue until ASA’s 60th annual meeting in November 2017, Anne Pitcher shared a number of statements on behalf of the ASA Board of Directors, addressing issues such as proposed federal budget cuts and travel restrictions on citizens of select Muslim-majority countries. In a message to the ASA membership, Anne Pitcher shared her vision on the current role of ASA in the following terms: “The African Studies Association remains committed, in this our Sixtieth Year, to expanding our numbers, to fostering networks of scholars, activists, and policy makers across the globe, and to promoting the dissemination of knowledge about the continent.”

Jeff Heath receives Humanities Collaboratory Grant for funding from National Documenting Afrikaans in Patagonia Endowment for the Humanities to document The U-M Humanities West-African languages Collaboratory has Jeff Heath, professor awarded a grant to of linguistics and Near an inter-generational Eastern studies, received research team, $220,707 from the including ASC National Endowment for Associate Director the Humanities, under Andries Coetzee, Jeffrey Heath (right) their Documenting Endangered to document with a Tuareg speaker (left) in Timbuktu. Languages program, for his project the cultural Photo courtesy of J. "Documentation of Mbre and and linguistic practices Professors Andries Heath Coetzee and Nicholas Tiefo-D Languages of West Africa". of a unique community of Afrikaans Henriksen interviewing one of the Patagonian This funding will enable Professor speakers in rural Patagonia, Argentina. Afrikaans speakers Heath to continue his long-standing, successful The research team (consisting of six documentation work of West-African minority and faculty, two GSRAs, endangered languages. a postdoctoral researcher, and as many as ten undergraduate Omolade Adunbi awarded researchers) will Amaury Talbot Prize explore topics about identity and Omolade Adunbi, associate displacement, and professor in Afroamerican how these themes and African studies (DAAS), Professors Andries was awarded the prestigious are realized in the Coetzee, Lorenzo García- linguistic practices Amaya and Nicholas Amaury Talbot Prize by the Henriksen interviewing Royal Anthropological Institute of the community. One outcome two of the Patagonian of the project will be an interactive Afrikaans speakers of Great Britain and Ireland online archive, chronicling the (RAI) for his 2015 monograph, history and daily lives of the Oil Wealth and Insurgency in community members. Nigeria, published by Indiana University Press. This prize is awarded by the RAI to the book which presents “the most valuable work of African anthropology” published in the particular year.

30 | alliances • FALL 2017 • AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER • ii.umich.edu/asc student NEWS

MPH Students Conducted “A African Student Association (ASA) Pilot Study on Cervical Cancer Hosted Annual Culture Show: and the use of a Self-Swab Test SHAKA for HPV in Ethiopia” On April 1st, 2017 the African Over the summer, Olivia Bouchard Students Association (ASA) and Claudia Djimandjaja, hosted its 19th annual culture MPH students, worked for 11 show, SHAKA. Held in the Crisler weeks at the Ethiopian Public Center, ASA showcased the Health Institute (EPHI) for the roots, radiance, and rhythm of Department of Pathology for the continent and its diaspora Olivia Bereket Berhane, MD. Their Bouchard's through fashion, music, spoken research project, part of a larger project of team walk word, and dance. With around Laura Rozek (School of Public to work 600 in attendance, the entire

Health) and Bereket Berhane venue celebrated the ASA by Adam photos Brodnax (Saint Paul's Hospital African community Millennium Medical College, on campus and its Ethiopia) funded through surrounding areas. an ASC seed grant, is titled Entirely student run, the Human papillomavirus show brought together, (HPV) screening for for the 19th year in a cervical cancer in row, its community to Ethiopia: A mixed- Olivia Bouchard's embrace and learn more research team methods approach on and one of the about African culture. Learn the acceptability and feasibility of health extension more: bit.ly/asc-news- workers Murida a self-swab HPV test. The objective of this asashowcase cross-sectional study was to test the acceptability of a low-cost self-swab test for HPV screening in Ethiopia. U-M Students at Pan- Through this internship, Bouchard learned how much effort, African Film Festival patience and resilience it takes to successfully implement a public health intervention. She hopes that by acquiring new The African Studies Center knowledge, skills and perspective, it will help her better design funded a group of U-M successful interventions in her future career. This experience students to attend the allowed her to understand the challenges and approaches in FESPACO in Ouagadougou, implementing a program for low-income communities that Burkina Faso, a major lack resources. “Understanding how the community perceives pan-African cultural event a health issue is essential to creating a successful program; that hosts filmmakers, cultural beliefs and constructs can impact health outcomes and producers, actors, scholars, health seeking behavior. It is undeniably necessary to collaborate and audiences from with local, trusted stakeholders; without the help of the health many different countries, extension workers and local nurses, our study would not have both inside and outside The headquarters of FESPACO been successful,” expressed Bouchard. the African continent. Various films from countries, such as Bouchard is currently applying Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, Mali, Togo, Tunisia, Morocco, for medical school to enroll Ethiopia, and Tanzania are released in several different venues in in the fall of 2018, as she Ouagadougou. plans to pursue a career in primary care focused on “The themes of the films touched on many important social global health. She is looking aspects of countries in Africa, including traditional culture, politics, forward to future collaboration Olivia Bouchard and Claudia social conditions, women’s lives, public health, border-crossing and with her preceptor, Dr. Bereket Djimindjaja with their migration, and music, among others. “My favorite film is Félicité, by preceptor Dr. Bereket Berhane and would enjoy an the Senegalese filmmaker Alain Formose Gomis. It gives a glimpse opportunity during her third or fourth year of medical school to of an episode of the life of Félicité, a singer in a bar in Kinshasa,” return to EPHI and work with her colleagues again. expressed Xiaoxi Zhang, U-M student. ii.umich.edu/asc • AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER • FALL 2017 • alliances | 31 Weiser Hall, Suite 500 500 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1042

Alliances is published annually by the African Studies Center at the University of Michigan. ASC is a member of the International Institute. KELLY ASKEW, ASC Director ANDRIES COETZEE, ASC Associate Director STAFF J. HENRIKE FLORUSBOSCH, ASC Grant Manager and Project Coordinator CINDY NGUYEN, ASC Academic Program Specialist SANDIE SCHULZE, ASC Outreach and Program Coordinator GLORIA CAUDILL, II Global South Cluster Manager KATHY COVERT, II Global South Assistant RAQUEL RAMOS BUCKLEY, Alliances Designer and II Communications Editor

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