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African Studies: Associations & Organizations

Designed to be useful and relevant, this guide will provide you with access to a range of key library and information resources to aid your studies/research in African Studies

African Studies Associations/Organizations

The African Studies Association encourages the production and dissemination of historical and contemporary knowledge about Africa. The ASA is based in the United States and aims to cultivate a better understanding of the continent, taking a holistic approach to its areas of focus. This includes all facets of Africa’s political, economic, social, cultural, artistic, scientific, and environmental landscapes, to name a few. Our members include scholars, students, teachers, activists, development professionals, policymakers and donors.

The African Studies Association of Africa (ASAA) is a membership-organization of scholars, practitioners, and activists of the African continent and her diaspora. The association’s vision is to promote Africa’s own specific contributions to the advancement of knowledge about the peoples and cultures of Africa and the Diaspora. The fruition of this vision is directly linked to the freedom that scholars on the continent and in the diaspora enjoy to pursue research of interest to them.

Africa-American Institute (Washington, D.C.)
Its mission is "to expand education and professional training opportunities for Africans, foster greater understanding of Africa in America, and promote mutually beneficial U.S.-Africa relations. Founded in 1953, the Africa-America Institute is a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, non-profit organization, with offices in New York and Washington, D.C." Is well-known for its African visitors program and seminars. Has an events calendar. http://www.aaionline.org/
Africa-Europe Group For Interdisciplinary Studies (AEGIS)
"...an open network of European Union universities and research institutions concerned with studies of Africa in the Social Sciences and Humanities." Members directory, member newsletters, conferences, visiting scholar programs. Hosts a 2007 July 11-14 conference. 2005 conference information is available. The Secretariat is at the Centre of African Studies, School of Oriental and African Studies, London, U.K.http://www.aegis-eu.org/

African Heritage Studies Association
"Our aim is to foster knowledge about the role of Africans in the history and social configuration of Africa and its Diaspora." Hosts an annual conference. Based at the Department of Africana Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida. http://www.cas.usf.edu/africana_studies/ahsa.html

Association for the Study of the Worldwide African Diaspora
"...a not-for-profit, tax deductible organization of international scholars seeking to further our understanding of the African Diaspora, that is, the dispersal of people of African descent throughout the world." Its second conference October 2-4, 2003 is at Northwestern University. http://www.aswadiaspora.org