Center for Africana Studies Events & Engagements

Stay connected with the Center for Africana Studies through a dynamic lineup of lectures, performances, exhibitions, and signature programs that explore the depth and diversity of African and African diaspora experiences. Check back for updates and new opportunities to engage. 

Fall Events

Programming for the Fall semester is currently in development. Students, faculty, and the community can look forward to a dynamic lineup of lectures, cultural events, performances, and collaborative programs that highlight the richness of African and African diaspora experiences. Please check back soon for additional updates and event announcements.

BEYOND THE PROMPT: Thinking with AI in a World Where Thinking Matters More Than Ever

Tuesday, October 13
11:10 am - 12:40 pm
ALC 2105

Artificial intelligence is transforming higher education, but the most important question is no longer What can AI create? It is What remains uniquely human?

Join Professor Emerita Carole Maugé-Lewis for an engaging interdisciplinary panel exploring how educators, students, and creative professionals are working with AI while preserving the essential role of human judgment, creativity, ethics, and critical thinking.

Rather than focusing solely on prompting or technology, the discussion introduces the concept of Human + AI Partnership—a framework that distinguishes artifact production from cognitive production and demonstrates why thinking has become more valuable, not less, in the age of intelligent systems.

Panelists include:

  • Carole Maugé-Lewis, Professor Emerita of Graphic Design, author, and founder of Visible Minds AI (Moderator)
  • Dr. Steve Miller, faculty member and AI practitioner
  • Katia Lord, professional designer and AI practitioner
  • Joshua Chapple, Senior, B.S. in Public Relations, offering the student perspective on learning and working with AI

Through classroom examples, creative demonstrations, audience interaction, and discussion, attendees will explore how AI can extend human capability without replacing the cognitive work that gives ideas meaning.

Whether you teach, create, research, or simply want to better understand AI's role in education, this conversation invites you to move beyond the prompt and consider what it means to think, collaborate, and lead in an AI-enabled world

Southeast Model African Union Student Conference

The SEMAU Conference brings students and faculty together for an immersive experience exploring contemporary African issues through a simulation of the African Union and its member states. Join us November 5th-7th.

learn more about the semau conference

Spring Events

The Center for Africana Studies is planning engaging opportunities for Spring 2026 that may include virtual talks, special presentations, and community-centered experiences. Stay tuned for updates as details become available.

Ms. Lola Okunola - "Woven Legacies: African Textiles and Their Global Influence in Contemporary Art, and Design.

Pan Africa Week Lecture

Lola Okunola
“Woven Legacies: African Textiles and Their Global Influence in Contemporary Art and Design”
Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM
Location: ALC 5102

Atlanta-based artist Lola Okunola explores the intersection of heritage, identity, and contemporary design through globally exhibited mixed media work.

Have Questions?

For questions about upcoming events, please contact Saundra Rogers, the International Project Development Manager.

Saundra Rogers headshot

Saundra Rogers
International Project Development Manager
(470) 578-2429
sroger12@kennesaw.edu