Still We Rise: 40 Years of Africana Studies at Gettysburg College
The Africana Studies Program at Gettysburg College, originally African & African American Studies, was founded in 1986 with the support of Dr. Derrick K. Gondwe (Economics), Dr. William “Bill” Railings, Dr. Frank Chiteji (History), and President Charles Etzweiler Glassick (1977-1988).
Since its inception, the program has grown significantly. It began with the first course, AFS130: Introduction to African American Studies, taught in 1987, and has expanded to offer 14 to 17 courses annually, with approximately 250 to 300 students enrolled each year. The first faculty member hired into the program, Dr. Deborah Barnes, joined the college in 1992. While initially focused on the study of African American experiences, the program has always sought to explore the history, culture, and contributions of people of African descent worldwide. In 2005, under the leadership of Dr. Mwangi wa Gĩthĩnji, the program was renamed Africana Studies to better reflect its expanded focus on the African Diaspora, and the major was established.
The evolution of the program is a testament to its enduring mission: to inspire students from all backgrounds to engage with diverse epistemological approaches, theories, and paradigms. These intellectual tools help students better understand the contemporary interests, challenges, and contributions of black people from around the globe.
The Africana Studies Program’s influence extends beyond the classroom. Its impact is reinforced through lectures, community engagement, and off-campus study opportunities in the U.S., Europe, and Africa. Distinguished speakers such as Dr. Angela Davis, American political activist, professor, and author; Ms. Opal Tometi, Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter Movement; Mr. John Carlos, retired Olympian and Professional Football Player; Dr. Aloysius Uche Ordu, Director of the Africa Growth Initiative; coaches Herman Boone and Bill Yoast and several players of the T.C. Williams high school football team (inspiration for the movie Remember the Titans) have graced the college, contributing to the program’s legacy.
As we reflect on the program’s interdisciplinary nature, we celebrate the diverse career paths of its alumni, which include—but are not limited to—roles in law, business, healthcare, education, and public service. Africana Studies graduates have become Chief Compliance Officers, Senior Vice Presidents of Global Sales, Founders and Executive Directors of nonprofit organizations, teachers, psychiatric professionals, registered nurses, and more. The program’s interdisciplinary foundation equips alumni with the skills to succeed across a broad spectrum of fields.
We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with so many of you. We’re especially grateful to be joined by colleagues who have been integral to the program’s growth, as well as alumni who continue to carry its mission forward.
This February’s gathering provides a unique opportunity for participants to engage with scholars conducting research across disciplines such as Economics, History, Geography, Political Science, and other interdisciplinary fields. It also offers a chance to reconnect with alumni and engage in meaningful dialogue about the program's future.
The anniversary celebration underscores the importance of student involvement in shaping the future of Africana Studies, the academy, and society. Forty years of Africana Studies at Gettysburg College is a testament to the program’s resilience and its role in empowering individuals to engage with the world in profound and transformative ways.
Learning from our history, growing as we journey, we continue to rise together, and renew our dedication to the task ahead.