Claude Ake Memorial Awards Program, 02/01

"The struggle [to control Africa's development agenda] has been construed too narrowly as one over economic and political powerÖ . [Rather] it is also a struggle of ideas and knowledgeÖ . Without articulating how to proceed and why, our march to development cannot really begin." From Knowledge, Public Policy and Development: The Case of Social Science.

These are the words of the late Claude Ake, an activist for democracy, a visionary, and a scholar of global standing. They were presented as part of the challenge he issued a decade ago to colleagues in the Nigerian scholarly community who, at his invitation convened at the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs in Lagos to envision the institutional mission of what later became the Centre for Advanced Social Science. Throughout his professional life, Ake was critically engaged with the political and economic realities in his country and was at the forefront among scholar-activists who championed social justice, economic development, and democracy. He challenged African intellectuals to help construct an African consciousness about development, a consciousness that would guide Africans in conceiving of African solutions to African problems and, indeed, problems faced around the world. A remarkable leader, he was an expert on political theory, political economy and development studies. This awards program was created to honor his life and work.

The Claude Ake Memorial Awards Program seeks to encourage young African scholars/activists to carry out research, reflection and writing about their ideas and/or activities. The award is intended for Africans who are engaged in knowledge-based and reality-informed problem solving to address the continent's development challenges.

Successful applicants will receive stipends of $5,000 for innovative research aimed at meeting challenges that face the continent of Africa. Ake award recipients will travel to the United States to participate in study tours that are designed to support their individual research interests. In addition, the Ake Scholars will attend the African Studies Association (ASA) Annual Meeting in Houston, TX, November 15-18, 2001 where they will present their research to a representative cross section of the Africanist community in the United States. The Africa-America Institute will compile a resource book with syntheses of the Ake Scholars' research and distribute it widely to academic and other audiences.

Application Process: Applications may also be downloaded via the Internet at: www.aaionline.org. Applications will be reviewed by a panel of distinguished scholars of African studies in the humanities and social sciences. Complete applications must be received in hard copy at the Africa-America Institute no later than October 27, 2000. Fax and email applications will not be accepted.

Notification of the awards will take place on or about February 28, 2001.

Eligibility: This program is intended primarily for African scholar/activists residing on the continent of Africa. Awards may also be made to select African applicants residing outside of Africa. Preference is given to individuals who have not recently visited North America. Proficiency in written and spoken English is required.

Themes:The following are suggested areas of research. We welcome proposals in all areas related to the social sciences and humanities, and especially those that address issues in the researchers' fields in creative ways.

1. Democracy and Citizenship: New Political Processes and Popular Participation

2. Gender Relations and the Empowerment of Women 3. Use of Information Technology in the Production of Knowledge, Social Change and Activism

4. The Impact of the "Brain Drain": Strategies of Reintegration. 5. Refugees and Disrupted Communities

6. Conflict Resolution

7. Community Activism

8. Environmental Issues

9. Science and Health with Social Implications

Completed applications should be sent to: The Africa-America Institute

Claude Ake Memorial Awards

1625 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Suite 400 Washington, D.C. 20036-2259

U.S.A.

For inquiries, please contact the Africa-America Institute at the above address or by email: award@aaionline.org.

The mission of The Africa-America Institute (AAI) is to expand educational and professional training opportunities for Africans, foster greater understanding of Africa in America, and promote mutually beneficial US-Africa relations. Founded in 1953, AAI is a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, nonprofit organization, with offices in New York and Washington, DC, and a presence in 20 African countries.

The African Studies Association (ASA) was founded in 1957 as a nonprofit organization open to all individuals and institutions interested in African affairs. With over 3,000 individual and institutional members worldwide, ASA is the leading North American organization that promotes African studies. Its mission is to bring together people with a scholarly and professional interest in Africa.

Loree D. Jones

Executive Director

African Studies Association

Rutgers University

Douglass College

132 George Street

New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1400

Telephone: 732-932-8173

Fax: 732-932-3394

http://www.africanstudies.org