Students looking through books provided by Kenya Reads. Kenya Reads is a literacy project that

seeks to establish shared inter-school libraries in rural slums of Kenya.

AFRICAN & AFRICAN DIASPORA STUDIES PROGRAM

SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENT DIGEST

WEEK OF JULY 29th, 2013

Announcements:

Proyecto DESPERTAR (the word "despertar" means to awaken in Spanish) was started by two

young women activists from Esmeraldas in January of 2013. It is an arts-based project that

intersects social justice, community building, and popular education through the needs and

experiences of the city's emerging youth leaders.

The aim of Proyecto DESPERTAR is two-fold: to empower Afroesmeraldeño youth through the

exploration of their identities facilitated by a community of elders: musicians, oral historians,

poets, painters, folklorists, and other cultural icons embedded in the Afro Ecuadorian

community. Afroesmeraldeño elders have described the "dying of identity and culture" in their

community as youth become less interested in their “raices” or roots and increasingly involved

with organized crime and drug trafficking. This is a direct result of the structural inequalities

faced by the Afroesmeraldeño youth.

Our second aim is to instill leadership skills in each of our participants through mentoring

programs with elder community leaders who have dedicated their lives to furthering the afro

Ecuadorian cause and are eager to pass down their knowledge and wisdom to the next generation

of leaders. We are invested in training a core group of youth so that they have all of the tools

necessary to become leaders within their own communities and keep the actions of their elders

ongoing once they are no longer with us. There is no greater way to impact change than through

a bottom-up approach, especially by tapping into the potential that lies within the youth of a

community.

To find out more about this project, please click here to go to their webpage!

Weekly Picks:

Our Top News Picks of the Week

Friday, July 26, 2013

1. The Amazing, Surprising, Africa-driven Demographic Future Of The Earth, In 9 Charts

The United Nations Population Division, which tracks demographic data from around the world, has dramatically amended

its projections, for what will happen in the next 90 years. Africa will see the greatest population explosion in history and

poorer countries will expand rapidly. Source: Washington Post

2. AU Happy With Zimbabwe Vote Preparations

Although a full media briefing on observer reports is still to be released, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the AU Commission

chairperson, says she is pleased with the country's progress so far in the lead up to the July 31 elections. Source: Al Jazeera

3. Election Offers New Start For Mali, But No Magic Wand

Mali is rushing to hold elections under international pressure, especially from France, who will be able to withdraw

remaining troops if the election goes smoothly. But those seeking an immediate political renewal from the lineup of 27

candidates may be disappointed. Source: Reuters

4. U.S. Wary Of Rwandan Role In DRC

Though the Rwandan government denies the allegations. The U.S. government says there is a "credible body of evidence" to

support allegations that Rwanda is aiding rebels fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Source: United Press International

5. World Bank: Africa Held Back By Land Ownership Confusion

Despite recent reports of burgeoning prosperity in the region the World Bank has a stark warning for Africa: Economic

growth is being held back over land ownership issues. The World Bank is pleading for proper land governance to be

improved so Africa can properly utilize its resources and create jobs.

Source: BBC

6. Langa Rose Above Poverty To Great Legal Heights

South Africa's former Chief Justice, Judge Pius Langa died this week at 74 years old. Tributes continue to pour in for the

mastermind behind one of Africa's leading judiciaries. What many don't know however, is how this son of a working-class

protestant pastor became one of the foremost legal minds in the world.

Source: Times Live

7. Egypt's Economy Stabilizes, For Now, As Arab Pledges Buy Time

One of the biggest drivers of the recurrent protests that have plagued Egypt over the last three years has been the country's

ailing economy. This has stabilized somewhat with the most recent military intervention, that many believe has helped avert

an economic meltdown, for now.

Source: Wall Street Journal

8. South Africa Fights To Protect Rooibos Tea Name After French Trademark Bid

A French company wants to trademark the name of the famed Rooibos tea, much to the alarm of the Rooibos Council, which

fears that the move may prevent South African companies from selling tea under the name in France. Rooibos has been

grown exclusively in South Africa for generations, generating an estimated 600m rand (£40m) a year.

Source: Guardian UK

9. Tributes Pour In for Zimbabwean Singer Chiwoniso Maraire

Chiwoniso Maraire who died at age 37 this week, was one of Zimbabwe's leading musicians internationally. Tributes have

flooded in as Zimbabweans and the international arts community took to social networks to remember one of the country's

finest singers. The mbira star is believed to have succumbed to a lung infection.

Source: New Zimbabwe

10. South Africans React To News Of Royal Baby

Prince William and his brother Prince Harry have visited South Africa many times over the years, and they support a lot of

charities in the region, for that reason South Africans have warmly welcomed the news of the royal baby.

Source: BBC

Our Arts and Culture Picks of the Week

Friday, July 26, 2013

1. Top Ten Mandela Music Moments

Former South African leader Nelson Mandela loves music, and he's often been honored by outstanding musical

performances. From Stevie Wonder to Mariam Makeba, Okayafrica compiles ten of their favorites song and live

performances dedicated to Madiba. Source: Okayafrica

2. Artists Take Road Trip Through Africa's 'Invisible Borders'

Since 2009, Nigerian photographer Emeka Okereke has led troups of artists on trips along Africa's borders. Through the work

of his organization, Invisible Borders, Okereke hopes to create a "trans-African highway of the mind," linking artists and

photographers with the complexities and cultures of the continent. Source: CNN

3. Banned South African Film on Sexual Abuse Creates Buzz

There's nothing like censorship to draw attention to a project. Since the end of apartheid in 1994, a local fim has not been

banned, but regulators have halted screening of the film "Of Good Report." Find out why. Source: Reuters

4. Zimbabwe: Chiwoniso Maraire Dies

Singer, songwriter and mbira musician, Chiwoniso Maraire has died. The 37-year-old Zimbabwean artist passed away after

spending 10 days in the hospital with chest pains. Maraire, who won numerous awards for her albums, will be remembered

for inspiring young people to modernize mbira music.

Source: AllAfrica

5. Mozambique's Expressive Artists

In a three-part series, CNN's "Inside Africa" shows us a variety of artists thriving in modern-day Mozambique. In this

installment, rapper and graffiti artist, Shot B, shares his music and the messages behind his public artwork.

Source: CNN

6. Not So Black and White: South Africa on Stage

A compelling new play, titled "Solomon and Marion," takes a hard look at violence in South Africa. The murder-mystery plot

also raises the issue of race, a thorn in the country's history.

Source: The Guardian

7. Photo Essay: Wahran, Algeria

Photographer Ramzy Bensaadi delivers an intimate and sometimes haunting portraits of the streets in Wahran, Algeria. Most

of the photos in this collection are in black and white, but all display the city and its people in fine detail.

Source: African Digital Art

8. Musician of the Week: Abdullah Ibrahim

Formerly known as Dollar Brand, Abdullah Ibrahim is the legendary master of "Cape jazz."

Source: The Patriotic Vanguard

9. Nollywood Actress Stella Damasus Condemns Underage Marriage Law in Nigeria (VIDEO)

Nigeria's under-age marriage law is causing great controversy, and actress, Stella Damasus, voices her strong opinions

against it. The Nollywood actress posted a video response to the decision and called for celebrities to lend their voices to the

debate. Thanks to social media, the fiery video has gone viral.

Source: International Business Times

10. A Day in the Life of a Kenyan Goth

A new subculture is slowly emerging in Kenya. There may not be many of them, but goths are making a name for

themselves, wearing all black clothing with piercings.

Source: Think Africa Press

Our Top Business Picks of the Week

Friday, July 26, 2013

1. Nigeria: MTN Gets First Nigerian Chief Executive Officer

Telecommunications provider MTN has named its first Nigerian Chief Executive Officer. Michael Ikpoki, who is currently the

CEO of MTN Ghana, will take over from Brett Goschen who is now MTN Group's Chief Financial Officer and Executive

Financial Director on the Board. Source: All Africa

2. South African Airways Seeks Airbus, Boeing Bids For 23 Planes

Africa's biggest airline carrier, South African Airways Ltd. has asked Airbus SAS and Boeing Co to place bids for 23 wide-body

aircrafts. The bids are in an effort to switch to more fuel-efficient planes. Source: Bloomberg

3. H&M Sets Up Shop In South Africa

South Africa continues to lead the way as a hub for international investment despite its recent economic challenges. Case in

point? H&M (Hennes & Mauritz) the world's second largest clothing retailer just revealed that they are poised to launch in

Johannesburg. Source: Ventures Africa

4. Apple Acquires HopStop From Nigerian Entrepreneur Chinedu Tech giant Apple has acquired the highly successful city transit guide HopStop.com. The company was founded in 2005 by Nigerian entrepreneur Chinedu Echeruo. HopStop covers more than 300 cities and allows users to get directions or find nearby public transport. Source: Standard Digital

5. World Bank: Africa Held Back By Land Ownership Confusion Despite recent reports of burgeoning prosperity in the region the World Bank has a stark warning for Africa: Economic growth is being held back over land ownership issues. The World Bank is pleading for proper land governance to be improved so Africa can properly utilize its resources and create jobs. Source: BBC

6. Ghana's Currency Hits New Low In Sign Of Economic Imbalances Structural inequalities in the Ghanaian economy are beginning to affect its currency. The cedi hit an all time low against the dollar this week. The Bank of Ghana has blamed the slide on higher volumes of dividend repatriation as well as a seasonal increase in dollar demand. They believe it will stabilize in September. Source: Reuters

7. Hilton Leads Rush To Africa In Fastest Boom: Real Estate Some of the world's largest hotel chains are setting their sights on Africa as the increasing expansion of the middle class is creating an economic bonanza of sorts. Marriott International Inc. (MAR), Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. (HOT) and Hilton Worldwide Inc. are all either increasing the number of rooms in existing locations or building new hotels. Source: Bloomberg

8. US, China Scramble For Shares Of African Markets Its no secret that China has ramped up their investment in Africa over the past five years. And while they have been able to construct deals and partnerships without too much competition, that could be about to change. US firms are beginning to notice the economic opportunities in the continent and over the next couple of years we could be subjected to a bidding war of sorts by the two countries. Source: The World

9. Absa, Barclays To Integrate African Operations Absa Group and Barclays are set to complete their joint venture at the end of this month, following regulatory approvals in a variety of African countries. The new company will run under the brand name Barclays Africa Group and will serve nearly 14.4 million customers. Source: New Vision

10. West African Banks To Service East Africa Oil Finds Recent oil discoveries in East Africa are leading to the creation of subsidiaries by West Africa's insurance companies and

commercial banks who have an inherent advantage over their East Africa's counterparts. Source: BD Live

Call for Proposals:

DAK'ART 2014: Press kit and Call for Applications

11th Biennale of Contemporary African Art

May 9 to June 8, 2014 in Dakar, Senegal

Dear Art lovers,

- PRESS KIT to download:

www.biennaledakar.org/2012/IMG/pdf/press-release02-en-dakart2014.pdf

The press kit of Dak'Art 2014 reveals the names of members of the Orientation Committee, those of the

College of Curators, the program and exhibition venues.

You will also find a summary of the last press conference of July 3, the press review, some figures on the

growing fame of Dak'Art and its VIPs.

- CALL FOR APPLICATIONS for the International Exhibition Dak'Art 2014:

ATTENTION, less than two months before the Deadline, September 15, 2013.

- How to apply:

www.biennaledakar.org/2012/spip.php?article191

We advise artists to send us their documents as soon as possible, so the Biennale will help to best

complement their applications before the deadline.

For questions regarding applications, thank you for using this email: candidature@biennaledakar.org.

For other inquiries: info@biennaledakar.org

See you soon in Dakar!

2013 Roseberry Nash Student Award

The Society for Latin American and Caribbean Anthropology invites submission of papers for our

Fourth Annual Roseberry-Nash Student Paper Contest. The award will be presented during the AAA

meeting in Chicago, IL, November 20-24, 2013. The prize consists of US $500 and direct consultation

with the editor of the Journal of Latin American and Caribbean Anthropology toward the goal of

revising the paper for publication. The paper should draw on relevant anthropological literature and

present data from original research in any field of anthropology.

Requirements:

Contestants must be enrolled in a graduate program in anthropology at the time of submitting the

paper.

Paper length: minimum 4000 words and maximum 6000 words.

Languages: English, French, Portuguese and Spanish.

Student membership in the Society for Latin American and Caribbean Anthropology.

The paper should be submitted before August 15, 2013 to Sarah Taylor, Jury Chair, Roseberry-Nash

Award. Please email papers as attached documents to sarahtaylor44@gmail.com. Please send

documents as MS Word files, not PDFs.

Jason Pribilsky

Associate Professor and Chair

Department of Anthropology

Whitman College

Walla Walla, WA 99362

509.527.5162 (office)

509.301.0115 (cell)

Whiteford Graduate Student Award 2013

The Society for Latin American and Caribbean Anthropology (SLACA) announces its 2013 Whiteford

Graduate Student Award in Applied and Public Anthropology in honor of Michael B Whiteford and

Scott Whiteford. The award is intended to help two students attend either the Society for Applied

Anthropology annual meeting or the SLACA Spring (bi-annual) meeting. The prize consists of US $200 for

a student registered in a graduate program in the USA or Canada, and US $300 for a student registered

in a graduate program in Latin American or the Caribbean. We encourage anthropology departments to

support students entering the competition by providing additional conference travel funds.

The Whiteford Graduate Student Award was created through the enduring support of Michael B and

Scott Whiteford who have donated all of the royalties from their book Crossing Currents: Continuity and

Change in Latin America to the Society for Latin American and Caribbean Anthropology since its

publication in 1998. With their contributions, SLACA has supported Latin American scholars by helping

them travel to present their work at the annual meeting of the American Anthropological Association.

We are proud to extend the Whitefords’ generosity to students’ emerging scholarship at the spring

SLACA meeting.

Papers submitted to the award’s committee are limited to a maximum length of six thousand words,

including bibliography. Papers can be from any subfield of anthropology, but they must have an applied

component and be based on field research carried out in Latin America, the Caribbean, or among first-

generation migrants from these areas. The papers can be written in English, Spanish, French or

Portuguese. The student must be a member of SLACA. Awards will be announced at the 2013 AAA

meetings in Chicago, IL. The paper should be submitted before August 15, 2013 to Jason Pribilsky, Jury

Chair. Please email papers as attached documents to pribiljc@whitman.edu. Please send documents as

MS Word files, not PDFs.

Jason Pribilsky

Associate Professor and Chair

Department of Anthropology

Whitman College

Walla Walla, WA 99362

509.527.5162 (office)

509.301.0115 (cell)

Fall 2013 Courses: