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Department of Africana Studies

Banner for Oscar Ritchie Story

A key figure in Kent State's Black History, Oscar Ritchie continues to inspire generations of students and educators.

Julian Grimes, president of Black United Students, tours the May 4 Visitors Center.

Julian Grimes, president of Black United Students, one of ºÚÁÏÍø's oldest student organizations, is working to maintain the legacy of the organization credited for starting the formal observance of February as Black History Month.
 

A group of students from the University of Fort Hare, in Alice, South Africa, are visiting Kent State.

Sounds of joyful singing could be heard coming from Oscar Ritchie Hall, when a group of nine students and their professor from the University of Fort Hare in Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa, were welcomed to ºÚÁÏÍø as part of an exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in South Africa. 

Kent State alumnus Preston Mitchum is a member of the cast of Summer House: Martha's Vineyard.

When he was a student at ºÚÁÏÍø, Preston Mitchum, BA ‘08, was heavily involved in student government and other organizations and recalls taking part in a considerable number of campus protests. 

Kent State Today
Bettina Love at Oscar Ritchie Hall.

Kent State faculty and students discussed belonging and other issues at author Bettina Love's book signing on Thursday. 

Felix Kumah-Abiwu photographed by Melissa Olson

The Nkafu Policy Institute recently appointed Ghana native Felix Kumah-Abiwu, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Africana Studies at ºÚÁÏÍø, one of its Non-Resident Fellows in Governance & Democracy.