Methodologies VI: Methodology Manifesto

Africana studies has the singular history of being a field that is both personal and academic. It is a field where possibility and malleability reign supreme. For students whose vocational education purposely and systematically excluded the histories, literature, and art of Africana peoples, Africana studies could serve as a second education, a (hopefully) diasporic family history.  For students who have grown up in predominantly white spaces, Africana programs have the capacity to serve as a quest for a reimagined and realized black self. The field has transformative power as it is the reflection of self, the world, and it’s future. However it’s this mixture of the personal and academic that has proved to be both the field’s point of success and failure.

Like many of the scholars who pondered the future of Africana studies, I too feel that Africana studies, as I’ve experienced it, has focused excessively on deconstructing white supremacist and hegemonic thought and practice (Rabaka, Africana Critical Theory). For survey courses in the discipline this focus on deconstruction is not only important but also necessary.  However, the study should move past this stasis. As students plunge deeper into the field, the focus should also deepen. I suggest that courses include the radical thought that is explored in black feminism and womanism, modern articles/videos/and or movements (digital or otherwise), or rarely called upon texts that complicate or reformulate daily black life.

Furthermore Africana study both in survey and major courses need to incorporate an international narrative. Here I do not mean a simple additive course of action that tokenizes Afro-Latino, Afro-European, and African thought (Higginbotham, Designing an Inclusive Curriculum). I mean an infusing of various scholars from these regions at the inception of Africana education. Because Africana studies is the intersection of the personal and the political, American institutions often have ignored or bypassed other texts because they see them as irrelevant to their national narrative. We must not only be cognizant of this failing but also realize that our experiences are a part of a larger dialogue. If Africana studies wishes to continue being the transformative field it is, it must implement this change. This would inhibit our theories from being too Americentric and would encourage future endeavors to truly encapsulate the African diaspora. It would also even cover the aforementioned point of finding new/radical thinkers instead of regurgitation of ‘classic texts’.

And we can’t stop there. As Africana is an interdisciplinary field, its reach should even extend to quantitative data. Similar to Psychological Statistics, an Africana Studies and Statistics course would teach not only the formulation of numbers but also the ways in which statistics are manipulated in various studies in relation to Africana peoples. The class would effectively prepare students to use this quantitative practice in future research, and further integrate Africana studies in other quantitatively drive fields.

Ultimately I’m calling for a breath of new life into the field. An understanding of the passage of time and shortcomings that feeds the future of Africana studies. We need to incorporate black women, international radical thought, quantitative study, digital media, sex and sexuality, and the arts as all necessary and integral subjects to this field. I’m calling for the cessation of additive education in favor of whole-hearted inclusion. For we are not where we were when Africana Studies began. We should no longer centralize white theory and black male radicalism in our work. As we are expanding our community our study should too. We must move past deconstruction in order to build lasting education for our youth.

Word count: 589

Works Cited

Higginbotham, Elizabeth. “Designing an Inclusive Curriculum: Bringing All Women Into the Core,” Words of Fire. Print. The New Press: New York, NY. 1995.  480

Rabaka, Reiland. “Africana Critical Theory: Overcoming the Aversion to New Theory and New Praxis in Africana Studies and Critical Social Theory”.

 

Tags: ,

59,279 Responses to “Methodologies VI: Methodology Manifesto”

  1. When renting, your rent may be increased regularly. While home ownership comes with different expenses, like mortgage repayments, council rates, and strata or property insurance, these are unlikely to rise by huge amounts unexpectedly. Hillock Green

    • nbcdns says:

      Great job! Your hard work and dedication really paid off. It’s clear that you put a lot of effort into this project and the results speak for themselves. Keep up the good work!

    • Keep up the good work! Your efforts are truly appreciated. You have a real talent for what you do and it shows in the quality of your work. Keep pushing yourself to achieve even greater things.

  2. Kaushal Jha says:

    Thank you for this article!  up bed counselling 2023 official website   for the year 2023 are now open, apply now to a career in teaching

  3. BTMAKEHOME says:

    One of the closest bridges to Derna has been washed away completely. Locals stand near the ragged tarmac precipice, peering over and taking photos. รับ เหมา ก่อสร้าง เชียงใหม่

  4. People adore our Jaipur escort agency mostly because of the professionalism and excellent escort service we offer them. We also give our customers fantastic discounts and promotions.

  5. “This Is Why You’re Not Seeing an ROI on Your Marketing”메이저놀이터

  6. Saya akan mencoba ini dalam waktu dekat. aqiqah nasi kebuli

  7. Saya akan membagikannya di media sosial. paket aqiqah jakarta

  8. Saya akan mengejar hal ini lebih lanjut. paket aqiqah jakarta

  9. litespeed license

    like water for chocolate » Blog Archive » Methodologies VI: Methodology Manifesto

  10. Apply 4U says:

    Apply4u.co.uk is a dynamic online platform specializing in career guidance and job placement. Their commitment to providing valuable resources and support makes them a sought-after source for career-focused content. Collaborating with Apply4u to publish backlinks on diverse blogs can amplify your online presence and reach a broader audience within the career and employment sector.

  11. Data hk says:

    This is my first time i visit here and I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially it’s discussion, thank you.

  12. Data HK says:

    Data HK terlengkap dan akurat saat ini.

  13. As I was conducting a Google search for blogs, I came across your blog and took the time to thoroughly explore its content. I must say, it’s truly remarkable and exceptionally well-crafted. I felt compelled to leave a comment to express my admiration. Your blog is rich with valuable information, and I’d like to extend my gratitude on behalf of Advanced Cardiology Sugar Land for your significant contribution.When we mention a “Cardiology Consultant in Katy,” we’re referring to a healthcare professional or a medical facility located in Katy, Texas, with a specialization in cardiology. These consultants possess cardiovascular disease treatment expertise in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of a wide range of heart-related conditions and cardiovascular diseases. Patients turn to them for a variety of services, including cardiac assessments, heart disease prevention, treatment for heart ailments, and ongoing cardiac care.

  14. bigcountry says:

    I was searching some blogs in google and seen your blog. Gone through the whole staff, its incredible. Well written. Thought why dont i write a comments. Indeed, i do apprecite the way you have written this. Includes many information. I would like give thanks on behalf of Big Country Welding for this contribution. A “Welding company near me” typically refers to a local business that specializes in various welding services, including metal fabrication, repairs, and welding-related solutions. Welding company near me These companies offer expertise in joining and shaping metals using welding techniques and may serve a range of industries, from construction and manufacturing to automotive and aerospace.

  15. bunnyjack says:

    I Love LENKA and i always play her music on my iPod. her music is quite unique. Ice Cream Bakeries in Arizona

  16. It is a great website.. The Design looks very good.. Keep working like that!.

  17. seo says:

    It is a great website.. The Design looks very good.. Keep working like that!. Doramas Flix online

  18. It is a great website.. The Design looks very good.. Keep working like that!.

  19. mahjong wins says:

    This is my first time i visit here and I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially it’s discussion, thank you.

  20. a site with usefulness that I really need as a newcomer to the world of bloggers, thank you from : Cetak Spanduk Kampanye Jakarta Timur

  21. lifesaverser says:

    While conducting a Google search for blogs, I stumbled upon your blog and took the time to thoroughly read through its content. I was genuinely impressed with the quality of your writing and found it to be exceptionally well-crafted. It struck me that leaving a comment to express my appreciation was only appropriate. Your blog provides a wealth of valuable information, and I’d like to extend my thanks on behalf of Life Savers Emergency Room for your insightful contribution.Injuries ER in Houston” refers to emergency medical facilities situated in Houston, Texas, that have been purposefully designed to offer swift injuries ER in Houston and comprehensive care for a wide spectrum of injuries. These establishments are fully equipped to handle accidents, traumatic incidents, fractures, lacerations, and a variety of medical emergencies with the utmost efficiency. They are staffed by highly skilled healthcare professionals.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.