BALTIMORE - UMBC's department of Africana Studies celebrates its 25th anniversary on Friday, November 14, with a re-dedication reception at 5:30 p.m. in the Albin O. Kuhn Library followed by a lecture by Paula J. Giddings at 7:30 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom. The celebration is free and open to alumni and friends of UMBC.

Founded in 1972, the department of Africana Studies will take this opportunity to re-dedicate itself to the study of all Africans, not just those in America. Edward Young, UMBC alum and member of the re-dedication planning committee, says "As we look at blacks, Africans, we see that we are not only in America, but everywhere. In renaming the program we take all of our physical locations and make a common connection to history."” Young hopes the event will act as a catalyst to greater alumni involvement in mentoring and internship programs which will benefit students and community members.

The evening will conclude with the 19th Annual W.E.B. Du Bois lecture featuring Paula J. Giddings, research professor in Women's, African and African-American Studies at Duke University, who will speak on Grounds for Insurgency: The Mind of Ida B. Wells,” reflecting upon her recent research and upcoming biography of the anti-lynching crusader.

Giddings is the author of two books on the social and political history of African-American women. When and Where I Enter: The Impact of Black Women on Race and Sex in America has been called a landmark study destined to become a prime sourcebook” (Publisher's Weekly) and the best interpretation of Black women and race and sex we have” (Women's Review of Books). The book has been translated into Japanese and Dutch and is widely used in college courses throughout the country. The Washington Post called In Search of Sisterhood: Delta Sigma Theta and the Challenge of the Black Sorority Movement a fitting sequel to Giddings acclaimed first book.” The Los Angeles Times noted that it succeeds as a detailed study of an organization that has touched the lives of some of the most prominent Black women in America.”

As a journalist, Giddings has written extensively on international and national issues and served as Paris Bureau Chief for Encore American & Worldwide News, covering Europe and Africa. She has also been a book editor for Howard University Press, conceptualizing and acquiring important texts on African-American history and literature.

The 1997 W.E.B. Du Bois lecture is part of UMBC's Humanities Forum, a free annual public series that brings nationally and internationally known scholars to discuss contemporary issues in the humanities.

For more information on the 25th anniversary celebration and lecture, please call the department of Africana Studies on 410.455.2158.