The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research niche area is proud to be hosting a public lecture featuring Prof Molefi Kete Asante, a towering figure in African-American scholarship, on 19 March 2024.
The theme of the lecture is “Afrocentricity, communication and culture: Building a common history”.
Prof Asante, a professor in the Department of Africology at Temple University in Philadelphia and president of the Molefi Kete Asante Institute for Afrocentric Studies, continues to shape the discourse on Afrocentric education. He is also an extraordinary professor at UNISA.
The director of the ILMA research entity, Prof Abiodun Salawu, says hosting Prof Asante is a great honour.
“He is one of the greatest Africanists and an African American who has refused to forget his roots. That is why he dropped his American names and adopted African names: Molefi (from Sotho in South Africa and Lesotho) and Asante (from Akan in Ghana). He also has another name, Adewale, from Yoruba in Nigeria.
“He is the founder of Afrocentricity which seeks to centre the people of Africa and the African diaspora within their own historical, cultural, and sociological contexts. We have a lot to learn from him and I invite everyone to come and listen to this eminent scholar of African descent,” says Prof Salawu.
The public lecture will take place on 18 March at 16:00 at the Multi-functional Boardroom on the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus, and interested individuals can also join virtually. Please RSVP by contacting Kgomotso Bosilong at kgomotso.bosilong@nwu.ac.za / 018 389 2369.
More about Prof Molefi Kete Asante
With an illustrious career spanning over five decades, Prof Asante has made various contributions. He served as the founding editor of the Journal of Black Studies for an impressive 53 years, and played a pivotal role in establishing the University of California, Los Angeles’ (UCLA's) Center for Afro-American Studies. He also instituted an interdisciplinary master’s programme and established the African American Library within the Center.
Known as one of the most prolific African-American scholars, Prof Asante's extensive literary output includes over 100 books and more than 500 articles. His recent works, such as The Perilous Center and Revolutionary Pedagogy underscore his commitment to exploring and challenging the complexities of African-American history and culture.
His academic journey commenced with a PhD from the University of California, Los Angeles, achieved at the age of 26. His remarkable ascent in academia saw him appointed as a full professor at the State University of New York at Buffalo by the age of 30. Notably, he established the first PhD programme in African-American studies at Temple University in 1988.
Recognised as one of the 10 most widely cited African scholars, Prof Asante received the prestigious title of NCA Distinguished Scholar from the National Communication Association in 2019.
He has left an indelible mark as a distinguished thinker in the African world and one of the most influential leaders in education. His impact extends beyond academia – he spearheaded the conceptualisation of Temple University's Center for Antiracism Research in 2021, showcasing his ongoing dedication to advancing critical discussions on race.
Moreover, Prof Asante is renowned as the founder of the theory of Afrocentricity and has initiated significant platforms such as The Cheikh Anta Diop Conference and The Molefi Kete Asante Institute for Afrocentric Studies in Philadelphia. His influence in curriculum development is evident through his role in creating the mandatory African-American history course for the Philadelphia school district.
As a mentor and guide, he has directed more than 140 PhD dissertations, solidifying his status as the top producer of doctorates among African-American scholars.
