A Heart-to-Heart Conversation on Africana Studies : Lehigh University

About the Event

An intimate Heart-to-Heart conversation exploring Africana Studies — its history, purpose, and power within academia and beyond. We hope this discussion centers on the people, cultures, politics, and lived experiences of Africa and the African Diaspora, while reflecting the role of the Africana Studies department at Lehigh for students and alumni.

Who Should Attend:

This event is free and open to the public! All Lehigh alumni, students, and the community at large are invited to attend.

This event is proudly hosted by BALANCE - Lehigh's Black and Latinx Alumni Network for Community and Excellency.

Cost: Free to attend

Staff Contact: Morgan Nelson, M.Ed.'19

Alumni Contacts: Danielle Taitt and DJ Bourgeois

About the Speaker

A native of Guyana, Simone A. James Alexander, professor and director of Africana Studies, was awarded a scholarship to study abroad in Moscow, Russia. After a six-year stint in Russia, she continued her education at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, where she completed a second master’s and a Ph.D. in comparative literature. Upon receiving her doctorate, she began her first tenure-track job at Pratt Institute, New York, where she worked for a couple of years before moving to Seton Hall University, New Jersey. At Seton Hall University, Alexander taught in both the English department and Africana Studies and served as both chair and director of Africana Studies. She was an affiliate member of the Women and Gender Studies and the Russian and East European Studies Programs. She is currently a professor of English at Lehigh University and the director of Africana Studies.