JUA: Penn African Studies Bulletin, (02/09/09)

J U A

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER
BIMONTHLY BULLETIN
Issue No. 9, Spring 2009
February 9, 2009

Dear JUA Readers,

Please find attached the ninth issue of JUA for 2008-2009. You can also find a copy of this and previous archived issues on our website: http://www.africa.upenn.edu/. As in the past, we are currently publishing a new issue every other Monday.

Remember that you can always send your submissions to africa@sas.upenn.edu. For the next issue, kindly send announcements by no later than Wednesday, February 18, 2009.

Sincerely yours,

Namrata Poddar,
JUA Editor

CONTENTS:

EVENTS
CALL FOR PAPERS
FELLOWSHIPS & GRANTS
JOBS
RESOURCES

PHILADELPHIA & SURROUNDING AREA EVENTS

DR. MAYA ANGELO SPEAKS AT PENN

On Tuesday, February 17, at 6.30 pm at Irvine auditorium, the Penn Consortium of Undergraduate Women presents its 6th Annual Women's Week 09 with Keynote Address by Dr. Maya Angelo. African Studies Center is one of the co-sponsors of the event. For more information, please visit: http://www.pennwomen.org/

20TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF AFRICAN CULTURES

On Saturday, February 21, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. throughout the galleries of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Music and dance of Africa, storytelling, arts and crafts, gallery tours, culture and cuisine-it all comes together at the 20th annual Celebration of African Cultures.
This year's extravaganza offers a special spotlight on the famous Benin culture of Nigeria, featured in the exhibition IYARE: Splendor and Tension In Benin's Palace Theatre, on view now through March 1. With nearly 100 objects from the Museum's world renowned collection of cast bronzes, carved ivories and wooden artifacts, 16th to the 21st centuries, IYARE! (which translated, means "May you come and go safely!") illuminates the many activities-cultural, religious, political and intensely social-that make up the experience of palace life for the Edo people of Benin. Special Benin activities for the day include a talk and gallery tour, "Under the Sea and On the Throne: Olokun and the Fish-Legged King," by curator and Benin expert Kathy Curnow, offered at 11:30 a.m., as well as Benin storytelling, games, and a related craft activity for the family. Renowned storyteller Queen Nur and drummer Yomi Awodesu serve up traditional Benin stories, with songs, movement and rhythm (2:45 to 3:15 p.m., Lower Egyptian Gallery). Up in the Chinese Rotunda, visitors can learn to play the ancient Benin game of Ise and create their own Ise boards. A craft table features Benin mask making and coloring for families and young children. Furthermore, visitors will have an opportunity to see performances by the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble (providing the grand finale), as well as the Habiba Studio, Women's Sekere Ensemble, Harambee Drum Ensemble and Harambee Choral Ensemble.
The event is FREE with Museum admission donation ($10 for adults; $7 for seniors, 65 and above; $6 for students and children 6-17; free for Museum members, children under 6, and PENNcard holders). For more information, please visit http://www.museum.upenn.edu/new/news/fullrelease.php?which=370

ART EXHIBIT: THE ART OF AFRICAN TEXTILE

(Philadelphia), experience African History through Textile! Featuring Ancient Kuba cloth from Mali, Royal woven Kent?e from Ghana and Historic Mud cloth From Ivory coast and much more.
***On Friday, February 27, 2009, 7 pm, the Opening Reception will include Textile and Artifact Presentation, Loom demonstration and a Fashion Show. The exhibition is a fundraiser and a 10$ tax deductible donation is requested.

BOTSWANA RESEARCH UPDATE FORUM

On Friday, February 20, 2009, from 2:00 - 4:00 PM, at 251 Biomedical Research Building 2, 421 Curie Boulevard, the Botswana-UPenn Partnership is hosting a forum to bring together the various people from Penn and CHOP who are planning or are currently conducting research in Botswana in any field. Penn and CHOP faculty and staff who are currently involved in research in Botswana or are planning future projects there are invited to attend the Botswana Research Update to: -Learn what research is currently being conducted by faculty and staff in Botswana. -Find out what support and information is available to researchers. -Update others on your project and seek ways to share information and resources.
Harvey Friedman, Director of the Botswana-UPenn Partnership (BUP), will provide a brief overview of the work of the BUP, and outline resources available to Penn and CHOP researchers. RSVPs or questions can be directed to Judy Lotsis at 215-662-2447 or lotsis@mail.med.upenn.edu. Web site: http://www.upenn.edu/botswana/

TALK: SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS (AND AUTHENTICATION) OF WEST AFRICAN (BENIN)

METAL CASTINGS

On Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 12.30 in Classroom 2 at the University of Pennsylvania Museum , Food for thought Lecture Series presents "Scientific Investigations (and authentication) of West African (Benin) Metal Castings" with Prof. Ernst Pernicka, Professor of Archaeology and Archaeometry, Curt-Engelhorn-Zentrum Archaeometrie, Mannheim and University of Tubingen, Germany. Prof. Pernicka relates to a noteworthy private collection of chiefly African artworks and cultural possessions acquired primarily from European dealers specializing in African art over the past 40 years. This lecture will summarize what tests revealed about the authenticity of the objects. Staff, Faculty, Volunteers and Students are invited.

FILM: TEARS OF THE SUN

On Thursday, February 12 at 7.30 pm in room 245, Huntsman Hall, the Penn Women's Biomedical Society presents a film screening of "Tears of the Sun". A special-ops commander leads his team into the jungle of Nigeria to rescue a doctor who will only go with them if they agree to rescue 70 refugees too. Starring: Bruce Willis Cole Hauser; Director: Antoine Fuqua

NATIONAL EVENTS

REEL AFRICA AT RUTGERS FILM FESTIVAL 2008-2009

On Tuesday, February 10 at Rutgers; Reel Africa-the year-long film festival sponsored by the Program in Cinema Studies in close collaboration with the Center for African Studies, will present a screening of DARWIN'S NIGHTMARE (107 mins; Austria/Belgium/Tanzania et al; 2004)directed by Hubert Sauper. This documentary tracks the profound impact of the Nile perch fishing industry in Lake Victoria. The voracious fish have wiped out local species; while the prized fillets are flown out to European supermarkets, Tanzanians experiences famine. What do the planes that transport the fish to Europe bring in to the African continent? The film will be presented by Presented by RICK SCHROEDER from the department of Geography For complete festival information: http://www.cinemastudies.rutgers.edu

WORKSHOP: SUPPORT FOR INDEPENDENT MEDIA IN LIBERIA'S NEW DEMOCRACY

On Tuesday, February 17, 2009 from 10:30-3:30 p.m. at 1025 F Street, N.W., Suite 800 Washington, DC 20004, the Center for International Media Assistance and the Africa Program at the National Endowment for Democracy, in coordination with the Center for Democracy and Development at the University of Massachusetts, Boston and Mano River Media Forum/Democracy Media, invite you to a workshop on "Support for Independent Media in Liberia's New Democracy." Goals of the workshop include: To identify the needs and challenges of the media environment in Liberia; To examine the media's role in contributing to the country's peace and reconciliation process; To underscore media as a critical component of promoting democracy and good governance; To foster a dialogue among donors. RSVP (acceptances only) with name and affiliation by Wednesday, February 11 to shannonm@ned.org. **Lunch will be served.

AAAHRP 2009 BIENNIAL BLACK HISTORY CONFERENCE- BLACK HISTORY: FULL DISCLOSURE

On Saturday, March 21, 2009 and Sunday, March 22, 2009, Seattle University (Seattle, Washington), will host AAAHRP 2009 Biennial Black History Conference. With the theme "Black History: Full Disclosure," the Association for African American Historical Research and Preservation (AAAHRP) will meet at Seattle University, to bring together historians, scholars, students, and community members to present, learn and discuss historical information related to people of African descent. AAAHRP encourages wide discussions of historical questions, so it is only fitting that this conference is being held two months after the inauguration of Barack Obama. The AAAHRP two-day black history conference, the only one of its type held in the Pacific Northwest, will feature presenters from across the U.S. and other countries, and will include paper sessions, panels, roundtables, and workshops. All sessions will be held at the Seattle University campus. Noted researcher Tim Pinnick will deliver the keynote address "African American History: The Rest of the Story." Ed Diaz, AAAHRP founder and president will answer his own question: "Who in the world was Eugene Bullard, and why should we care?" For additional conference details, including the names of the scheduled presenters, and registration information, please visit www.aaahrp.org.

CALL FOR PAPERS

SIXTH ANNUAL NEW YORK AREA HISTORIANS OF AFRICA WORKSHOP

On Friday March 6, 2009, from 9:00am-6:00pm at Brooklyn College, the Sixth Annual New York Area Historians of Africa Workshop will provide a forum for established scholars and graduates students to present and discuss finished papers and works-in-progress, as well as engage in an informal exchange of scholarly ideas concerning issues in African history. Scholars from all academic disciplines whose work relates to African history are invited to submit abstracts for individual papers. Please submit a title, 250 word abstract, and a CV by February 16, 2009, as an email attachment to Dr. Lynda R. Day at lday@brooklyn.cuny.edu . Please see the Brooklyn College website for detailed directions: www.brooklyn.cuny.edu

MAPPING AFRICA IN THE ENGLISH SPEAKING WORLD

the University of Botswana will host a conference "Mapping Africa in the English Speaking World" to discuss issues concerning English language and literature in Africa. The conference will provide a platform for researchers, academics, educators, language planners, applied linguists, and other professionals interested in English in Africa to engage with various issues relating to the representation of Africa, past and present, in English. The suggested theme and sub-themes of the conference include: The representation of Africa in various modes of communication (in English) in: (a) Spoken and written literary texts (b) The media (c) Theatre, film and other modes of performance (d) Music (e) Anthropology, history, linguistics, sociology and other academic discourses. -Conceptions of African multilingualism, nationalism, identities and culture in English cultures within Africa and beyond - The English language in Africa: (a) Advantages and disadvantages of using English in Africa (b) The English(es) of the African Diaspora (c) The Africanization/indigenisation of English in Africa (d) English and postcolonial Africa (e) Africa's enrichment of English: the contribution of Africa and the African Diaspora to the communicative and expressive Capacity of English - Perceptions of power relations between African languages and English - Conflicting interests: teaching African cultures in the English language; teaching English in an African culture. - Representations of Botswana culture by foreign vs Botswana writers.
Abstracts of not more than 250 words on any of the above themes and sub-themes should be submitted via email to: monaka@mopipi.ub.bw. The deadline for submission is 31 March, 2009. For further information, please contact Dr. Kemmonye Collete Monaka at monaka@mopipi.ub.bw

FELLOWSHIPS & GRANTS

FORD FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIPS PROGRAM

The International Fellowships Program provides support for up to three years of formal graduate-level study leading to a masters or doctoral degree. Fellows are selected from countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Russia, where the Ford Foundation maintains active overseas programs. U.S. nationals are not eligible, although Fellows may study in the United States. IFP selects Fellows on the strength of their clearly-stated intention to serve their communities and countries of origin, and expects that they will honor this obligation. See website for list of eligible applicant countries. Deadline: Differs based on country of applicant http://www.fordfound.org/news/more/11272000ifp/index.cfm

THE MARGARET MCNAMARA MEMORIAL FUND

The Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund (MMMF) was established in 1981 to honor the late Margaret McNamara and her commitment to the well-being of women and children in developing countries. The purpose of the grant is to support the education of women from developing countries who are committed to improving the lives of women and children in their home countries. For more information, email MMMF@worldbank.org

SUMMER 2009 TRAVEL GRANT: THE OPEN MIND FOR AFRICA PROGRAM

The Open Mind for Africa program in honor of Dr. Louise Shoemaker, Dean Emerita of the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Work, builds on the Christian Association's foundation of promoting open minds and working faith. In summer 2009 up to three students will be awarded travel grants of up to $2,000 each to underwrite expenses related to traveling and working in Africa. One will be a student from the School of Social Policy and Practice and two will be an upperclassman or graduate student. The Open Mind for Africa program offers a unique service experience in Africa. In addition to the leadership and training orientation prior to the immersion experience, participants will be involved in Open Mind for Africa development activities upon their return to Penn. The Penn School of Social Policy and Practice is working with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana to develop its MSW degree, offering both universities' faculty and staff opportunities to collaborate. Working in partnership with the Christian Association, the Open Mind for Africa program will provide students an opportunity to get involved. If you are an SP2 student interested in applying for this travel grant please contact us to learn more about the internship opportunities in Ghana. Please feel free to contact Fran de la Torre (215-746-6350)or upennca@dolphin.upenn.edu for more information.

ACADEMIC JOBS

BATES COLLEGE; ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, AFRICAN POLITICS

The Department of Politics at Bates College invites applications for a one-year replacement position in African politics, beginning Fall 2009. Candidates should have a Ph.D. completed, or nearly complete. The Politics Department has implemented an innovative curriculum which uses concentrations on broad sets of ideas in political science rather than the traditional subfields. We are interested in candidates who enhance the diversity of perspectives in the department and connect with other disciplinary and interdisciplinary efforts at the College. Those applying should show a strong commitment to excellence in research and undergraduate teaching. The position is contingent on funding. Review of applications begins March 15, 2009 and will continue until the position is filled. Please mail a letter of application, curriculum vitae, graduate and undergraduate transcripts, and three letters of recommendation to: African Politics Search #R2498, Bates College, 5 Academic Services, 2 Andrews Road, 7 Lane Hall Lewiston, ME 04240. For more information, please visit: http://www.bates.edu/positions-available.xml

COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY, VISITING ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, AFRICAN HISTORY

The Department of History at the College of William & Mary invites applications for a one-year visiting assistant professorship in African history, to begin August 2009, with the possibility of renewal. Applicants will be expected to hold a Ph.D. by the time of appointment. All periods and specializations are welcome. The successful applicant will teach a 2/3 load. Review of credentials will begin on February 15, 2009 and will continue until the position is filled. Please send your letter of application, c.v., and three letters of recommendation to Philip Daileader, Chair, Dept. of History, The College of William & Mary, PO Box 8795, Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795, ATTN: African History Search. The College of William & Mary is an EO/AA employer. For more information, please visit: http://web.wm.edu/hr

IGLHRC, AFRICA PROGRAM COORDINATOR, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) is committed to working with local, regional and international partners to fight human rights abuses based on sexual orientation and gender identity worldwide. In mid-2007, IGLHRC opened a regional office for Africa in Cape Town, South Africa, to more effectively manage its operations on the continent and to build partnerships with African LGBT and human rights organizations. The Africa Program Coordinator will manage this office and IGLHRC's Africa program. The Africa Regional Office researches and monitors human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity, convenes trainings and strategy meetings to promote decriminalization of homosexuality, advocates for legal protections for LGBT people, and works for an end to anti-LGBT violence and discrimination. The Coordinator will manage a staff of 3--two Program Associates and an administrative officer. The successful candidate will have evidence of a commitment to working for social justice in Africa. The position requires at least three years of practical experience working within the human rights field in Africa. The successful candidate will hold a Masters, Honours, or similar degree. Fluency in English and at least one other relevant language is required. Substantial experience in proposal development, project and fiscal management, project monitoring, evaluation and reporting is required. A commitment to partnerships and leadership development is a must.
IGLHRC will begin reviewing applicants on February 20, 2009 and continue until a suitable candidate is identified. E-mail cover letter outlining your specific skills and experience relative to the position and a current CV to bchapman@iglhrc.org <mailto:bchapman@iglhrc.org>. Please put the words "Africa Program Coordinator" in the subject line. Only applicants under consideration will be contacted. IGLHRC is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and multicultural work environment.

NON ACADEMIC JOBS

PENN GDI INTERNSHIPS

Penn GDI will offer fully funded internships for up to 20 graduate and undergraduate students with partner NGOs for 8-12 weeks in summer '09. This is an exciting opportunity to work directly with NGO field offices in developing countries worldwide. Last year, Penn GDI placed students with Africare, Plan International, and Save the Children, in Africa, Latin America, and South Asia. Penn GDI has partnered with the Center for the Advanced Study of India (Piramal-Rajasthan), and The Botswana-Upenn Partnership, to offer three exciting internship opportunities in one common application. Detailed information about each of the three programs will be provided within the application. The deadline is Monday, February 23rd. There is an announcement posted on the OIP website (http://sa.oip.upenn.edu) with a link to the application. Requirements will include 2 recommendations, an official University transcript, and a personal statement. For more information, please contact Jennifer Kobrin, at jkobrin@upenn.edu.

ORGANISATION CIVICUS, WEB & NEW MEDIA EDITOR; JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

CIVICUS

World Alliance for Citizen Participation, based in Johannesburg, one of the leading and most diverse international civil society networks, is recruiting for a Web and New Media Editor whose prime responsibilities would be to manage the CIVICUS website and its e-newsletter, and to provide support to other initiatives on the internet, the intranet, and other new media. For more information, please visit: http://www.comminit.com/en/node/284831/ads

HEAD OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS, REFUGEE & DISPLACED PERSONS DIVISION, ADDIS ABABA,

ETHIOPIA

The African Union, established as a unique Pan African continental body, is charged with spearheading Africa's rapid integration and sustainable development by promoting unity, solidarity, cohesion and cooperation among the peoples of Africa and African States as well as developing a new partnership worldwide. Its Headquarters is located in Addis Ababa, capital city of Ethiopia. The Commission of the African Union invites applicants who are citizens of Member States for a position in the Department for Political Affairs.
Post title: Head of Humanitarian Affairs, Refugees and Displaced Persons Division,
Post level: P5
Unit: Department for Political Affairs
Immediate Supervisor: Director of Political Affairs. Duty Station: Addis Ababa
For more information, please visit: http://www.comminit.com/en/node/284611/ads

************RESOURCES************

For a comprehensive list of websites on research on and from Africa, please refer to the "Other Resources" section in our previous newsletters, archived at http://www.africa.upenn.edu/africa/jua.html

African Studies Center
University of Pennsylvania
647 Williams Hall
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2615

Phone:(215)898-6971
Fax:(215)573-7379
Email:africa@sas.upenn.edu
Website:http://www.africa.upenn.edu

Page Editor: Ali B. Ali-Dinar, Ph.D.