Reflection on the African Studies Summer Leadership Institute 2024

The African Studies Summer Leadership Institute launched in the summer of 2024 as an initiative to bring African history, culture, and contemporary affairs to high school youth in the Washington, DC area. It aims to create an ever-evolving bond between Howard University and local communities that will promote pathways to global leadership, foster strong relationships amongst Africans in the diaspora, and bring visibility to our prestigious Department of African Studies. Youth learn about ancient African societies, traditional spiritual systems, language, political leaders, gender, development, foreign policy, Pan-Africanism, revolutionary movements, colonialism, independence, music, art, oral traditions, dance, film, environmental sustainability, and so much more. They acquire knowledge from guest speakers, summer graduate instructors, faculty, interactive workshops, debates, activities, and African focused field trips. Some of the outings this year were the Museum of African Art, the African Burial Ground (NY), the MET (NY), the Library of Congress, and the Embassy of Ghana. Guest speakers were some of Howard's notable scholars as well as leaders from local, national, and international organizations and government agencies such as the African Union and Millennial Challenge Corporation. Activities included creating group presentations, capstone group research projects, book discussions focused on a common text, proposing and formulating policy, African traditional healing techniques, cultural dance and drumming to name a few. More than anything, we desire to leave fellows with an experience they can feel, that's transformative, and will compel them to become agents of change, global leaders, and return to Howard University as a future student. 

We express our gratitude to the program director, Dr. Traci Wyatt and to the instructors, Mr. Kamau Grimes, Ms. Hellen Maleche, Ms. Chidinma Chidoka, and Mr. Daquan Lawrence for crafting the lesson plans and utilizing their knowledge in African Studies to ensure this program ran smoothly, effectively and inspired students.

Student Reflections

"This program has been amazing. It has taught me not just spirituality, but the connection with nature and religions of the continent of Africa. I think that it's the best six weeks I've ever had in the summer, even though I didn't travel. It's just there's so much information that I've learned about Africa and my roots has been awe inspiring."   ~Lyric Richard

"I would say this program was very useful in terms of public speaking and social skills. The New York trip was particularly my favorite, I really enjoyed meeting new people around my age and making new friends."   ~ Zeinab Dembele

"I really like these sessions because of what I learned in terms of information, social skills, leadership, and Africa as a continent.
I love learning more of my homeland and how vital and diverse of a continent it is."   ~ Yasmin Abrar

"I loved it! I loved the people, I loved the vibe... Our discussions is one thing I really enjoyed and just to hear different perspectives and it helped me with my public speaking and conversating."   ~ Rokheya Doucoure

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Give to this program: giving.howard.edu/african-studies-summer-leadership-institute-event