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The Center for African and African American Studies (acronym: the CAAAS, and commonly called the Cause) is the research, creative work, and programming division of the broader Black Studies community at the University of Colorado Boulder. Established in May 2021 by Reiland Rabaka, along with student leaders Audrea Fryar, Ruth Woldemichael, Karia White and Isaiah Chavous, the CAAAS is the focal point for campus and community life grounded in, and growing out of the historical, cultural, spiritual, sociopolitical, economic, and artistic experiences of Africans, African Americans, and the African diaspora.

Bearing our overarching mission in mind, the CAAAS provides a network of integrated programs and support services to promote the individual, cultural, social, mental, physical, and academic well-being of CU’s African, African American, and African diasporan students. We help our students explore and cultivate culturally grounded identities and create community through our Sankofa-themed student services, which examine African, African American, and African diasporan experiences in the United States, on the African continent, and throughout the African diaspora via cultural and community programs and events (including theater, dance, and music performances, as well as art exhibitions, panels, poetry readings, book signings, lectures, colloquia, conference travel, research trips, study abroad grants, Juneteenth commemoration, Kwanzaa, Black History Month programs, Black graduation, etc.). The CAAAS challenges all CU students, staff, and faculty members to critically assess their role and responsibilities as global citizens and to consciously advocate for a diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus, community, and society.

Philosophical Foundation and Guiding Principles

Keeping our overarching mission in mind, the Center for African and African American Studies’ co-curricular and community-building programs and events are grounded in, and grow out of, a plethora of Pan-African (meaning, combined continental and diasporan African) concepts:

Sankofa: Knowledge, both historic and current, is power. Sankofa is a concept from the Akan culture of Ghana. It can be translated as: “it is not taboo to retrieve what is at risk of being lost or left behind.” The CAAAS uses knowledge from the African, African American, and African diasporan past to positively transform the African, African American, and African diasporan present and ensure the African, African American, and African diasporan future. 

Ubuntu: I am because we are. Ubuntu is derived from the Nguni/Ndebele cultures of southeastern Africa (Zimbabwe, Swaziland, and South Africa), and specifically the proverb: umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu (“a person is a person through other persons”). The CAAAS critically explores identity, builds community, and creates a sense of belonging through African, African American, and African diasporan culture on the Boulder campus, in the Boulder community, and beyond.

Nea Onnim: The principle and practice of lifelong learning. Nea Onnim is rooted in, and grows out of, the Akan proverb, “Nea onnim no sua a ohu,” which translates as, “When a person who does not know learns, they get to know,” they grow and can assist others in their growth. The CAAAS is a space where students, staff, faculty, alumni, artists, activists, allies, and community members can critically and systematically study the historical, cultural, spiritual, sociopolitical, economic, and artistic experiences of Africans, African Americans, and the African diaspora.

Kuumba: Creativity. Artistry. Innovation. The CAAAS embraces and encourages ingenuity and cultural expression in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics), as well as the literary, visual, and performing arts—and, indeed, in love and life in general. We seek to do as much as we can, in whatever way we can, to leave our campus, community, and culture more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

Umoja: Unity. Harmony. Solidarity. The CAAAS strives for and maintains unity in the family, community, university, and, ultimately, all humanity. We are committed to Pan-Africanism/Black Internationalism and a world where diverse African, African American, and African diasporan lives, experiences, and cultures are respected, protected, and celebrated.

Benefits 

The CAAAS provides multiple benefits to the CU campus and broader Boulder community, including:

• Provides a “home away from home” for African, African American, and African diasporan students.
• Aids in the recruitment and retention of African, African American, and African diasporan students, as well as faculty and staff.
• Helps African, African American, and African diasporan students grapple with and overcome feelings of marginalization and isolation at CU (a Predominately White Institution/PWI) by building Black community and a sense of belonging.
• Provides resources and guidance for Identity Cultivation and Diasporic Exploration (CAAAS Student Services Program, CAAAS Research Program, CAAAS Arts Program).
• Introduces and consistently exposes students, campus citizens, and community members to African, African American, and African Diaspora Studies (CAAAS Research Program).
• Introduces and consistently exposes students, campus citizens, and community members to African, African American, and African diasporan visual and performing arts and aesthetics (CAAAS Arts Program in collaboration with the CU Art Museum, Department of Art & Art History, Department of Theatre & Dance, and College of Music).
• Provides a Student Group Convening Space (Black Student Alliance, African Student Association, Caribbean Students Alliance, etc).
• Meeting and Programming Space: for undergraduates, graduates, staff, and faculty (the CAAAS Livingroom)
• Enhanced Academic Support and Workshops, including tutoring, advising, study skill support, writing workshops, as well as science and math support (CAAAS Student Services Program)
• Studying, homework space (CAAAS Learning Lounge)
• Mentorship, Leadership Development, and the CAAAS Student Ambassadors Program
• Professional Development and Networking Events
• Academic and Community Lecture and Panel Series
• Cultural Programs and Events: Just CAAAS, Lunch on the CAAAS, CAAAS Performing Arts Series, CAAAS Concert Series, CAAAS Art Exhibit Series, Africana Cinema Series, etc.
• Special Lectures, Panels, and Workshops on Black Mental and Physical Health (CAAAS Health & Wellness Program)
• Consistent African, African American, and African diasporan Faculty, Staff, Alumni, and Community Member Programming and Events