Africana Studies Mission

Strategic Plan

Definition of Africana Studies

Africana Studies is an interdisciplinary program designed to apply the scholarly approach of a number of traditional disciplines, such as sociology, theology, and history, to an examination of the Black experience from an Afrocentric perspective. By sponsoring a host of cultural activities and a minor in Africana Studies, the program nurtures the intellectual, social, and political development of Blacks and non-Blacks through an examination of the rich and multifaceted cultures, literatures, religions, and histories of Black people in Africa and the African Diaspora.

Historical Background

The Center for Africana Studies (CAS) was founded in 1994 through a Lilly Endowment Inc. grant as part of North Park University’s effort to create a more ethnically diverse center of higher education. The Endowment Communications Director applauded the University as qualifying “for a grant to improve its campus climate in a concerted effort to attract and graduate more students of color.” Under the administration of Denise Isom, the first CAS director, the Center developed a presence on the North Park campus, while becoming a well-spring of academic activity and culture production. Dr. Rupe Simms assumed headship of the project in 1997, and in addition to establishing a minor in Africana Studies, he continuously strives to advance the interests of the Black student population and to enrich the University culture as a whole. 

Core Ideology

Responsibility

We believe that our foremost responsibility is to the graduate and undergraduate students of African descent studying at North Park University and Seminary. 

Core Values

Academic Development

Academic development involves Black students striving to perform at full capacity in meeting the scholastic requirements of their various classes. This includes utilizing all assistance available to them including meeting with tutors, consulting with faculty, and attending study skill development workshops. Grade Point Average, professor evaluation, and student self-assessment are indicators of academic development.

Community Uplift

Community uplift includes students of African descent returning to the communities from which they come to serve their people as university graduates and socially responsible professionals. In this capacity, they will contribute knowledge and professional expertise in addressing the political disadvantage of Black people.

Christian Rectitude

Christian rectitude is characterized by a Bible-centered worldview and lifestyle that students cultivate throughout their university career. This translates into being morally upright in all social relations and being conscientious with respect to school policy. Although some students are not Christian, they are nonetheless invited to explore their spirituality from a Christian perspective.

Cultural Pride

Cultural pride involves Black students developing a sense of ethnic-identity and self–confidence as people of African descent, possessing a distinctive sociopolitical history and making a unique contribution to universal civilization. It also includes demonstrating a genuine and well-informed appreciation for the culture of other ethnic groups comprising the world community.

Mission

To produce University and Seminary graduates of African descent

Vision

To earn a nation-wide reputation in Africana Studies as the epicenter of Afrocentric higher education and culture production.