CURA Brings Together International Scholars to Explore Islam in Africa
The Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University’s Institute on Culture, Religion, and World Affairs (CURA) will host a discussion on Islam’s presence and influence in Africa, moving beyond traditional Middle East-centered analysis.
“30% of Africans are Muslims, and over 20% of the global Muslim population lives in Africa. And yet scholarship and public policy continues to treat Islam as though it were circumscribed to the Middle East. What do we learn by centering Africa in our understanding of Islam and politics today? What policies and histories become visible by decentering the Middle East?” notes Professor Jeremy Menchik, Director of CURA at the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies.
The panel, “Islam and Africa: Entanglements and New Vistas,” features Dr. Alaina Morgan of USC Dornsife, Dr. Abdulbasit Kassim of Stanford University, and Dr. Brandon Kendhammer. Dr. Tim Longman, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of International Relations and Political Science at the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, will moderate.
Panelists will discuss how Islam has shaped Africa and how Africa has shaped Islam. The discussion will consider religious development, conflict, decolonization, and social justice through an Africa-centered lens rather than the usual Middle Eastern perspective.
The panel is part of a two-day program funded by the Hollings Center for International Dialogue, a Congressionally funded NGO. Scholars and activists from Ghana, Nigeria, Niger, Kenya, and Mauritania will participate in the broader program, offering views from across the continent.
Event Information
* Event: Islam and Africa: Entanglements and New Vistas
* Date: Friday, October 25, 2024
* Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM EDT
* Location: 67 Bay State Road, 1st floor, Boston, MA 02215
* Cost: Free and open to the public
* Registration: Required
CURA, the African Studies Center, and the Hollings Center for International Dialogue are co-sponsoring this event. Learn more and register here.