From September 9-11, 2024, a workshop titled “Rethinking Knowledge Production in German African Studies” was held at the Kwame Nkrumah Complex, Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana. The event, organized by Drs. Serawit B. Debele (University of Bayreuth), Stephanie Lämmert (Max Planck Institute), and Yusuf K. Serunkuma (Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg), convened ten scholars to examine the evolution and future trajectories of African Studies, with a particular focus on Germany.
Surafel Wondimu Abebe, Assistant Professor of Performance Studies and Theory, The Africa Institute, Global Studies University (GSU), Sharjah, presented a paper titled “Worlding African Studies for Critical Global Humanities.” Abebe’s paper critically evaluated the inadequate examination of Area Studies pertaining to Cold War geopolitics. His analysis sought to address the imperial and colonial legacies embedded within the field and reimagine and advocate for critical global perspectives. Abebe thought with other writers to ask the right questions about planetary freedom, which he sees as an act of decolonizing African Studies.
The workshop was part of the project ‘African Studies in Germany through the Lens of Critical Race Theory,’ funded by the Volkswagen Stiftung Open Up – New Research Spaces for the Humanities and Cultural Studies. This project aims to integrate racial consciousness into African Studies, exploring intersections with anti-racism initiatives and critically assessing the field’s methodologies and theoretical approaches.
Additionally, Abebe’s participation in the workshop facilitated the strengthening of academic relationships between The Africa Institute (GSU), Sharjah and the University of Ghana. This collaboration is aligned with The Africa Institute’s broader objectives to expand international academic partnerships and advance its forthcoming MA program. Previous joint efforts between the Institute and the University of Ghana include conferences held in Sharjah and Accra, reflecting ongoing commitment to scholarly exchange and academic development.
From September 9-11, 2024, a workshop titled “Rethinking Knowledge Production in German African Studies” was held at the Kwame Nkrumah Complex, Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana. The event, organized by Drs. Serawit B. Debele (University of Bayreuth), Stephanie Lämmert (Max Planck Institute), and Yusuf K. Serunkuma (Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg), convened ten scholars to examine the evolution and future trajectories of African Studies, with a particular focus on Germany.
From September 9-11, 2024, a workshop titled “Rethinking Knowledge Production in German African Studies” was held at the Kwame Nkrumah Complex, Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana. The event, organized by Drs. Serawit B. Debele (University of Bayreuth), Stephanie Lämmert (Max Planck Institute), and Yusuf K. Serunkuma (Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg), convened ten scholars to examine the evolution and future trajectories of African Studies, with a particular focus on Germany.
Surafel Wondimu Abebe, Assistant Professor of Performance Studies and Theory, The Africa Institute, Global Studies University (GSU), Sharjah, presented a paper titled “Worlding African Studies for Critical Global Humanities.” Abebe’s paper critically evaluated the inadequate examination of Area Studies pertaining to Cold War geopolitics. His analysis sought to address the imperial and colonial legacies embedded within the field and reimagine and advocate for critical global perspectives. Abebe thought with other writers to ask the right questions about planetary freedom, which he sees as an act of decolonizing African Studies.
The workshop was part of the project ‘African Studies in Germany through the Lens of Critical Race Theory,’ funded by the Volkswagen Stiftung Open Up – New Research Spaces for the Humanities and Cultural Studies. This project aims to integrate racial consciousness into African Studies, exploring intersections with anti-racism initiatives and critically assessing the field’s methodologies and theoretical approaches.
Additionally, Abebe’s participation in the workshop facilitated the strengthening of academic relationships between The Africa Institute (GSU), Sharjah and the University of Ghana. This collaboration is aligned with The Africa Institute’s broader objectives to expand international academic partnerships and advance its forthcoming MA program. Previous joint efforts between the Institute and the University of Ghana include conferences held in Sharjah and Accra, reflecting ongoing commitment to scholarly exchange and academic development.
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