Fall 2008 Class

Name

Biographies or Statements

Remy Johnson

Remy Johnson is from Atlanta, Georgia by way of Chicago, Illinois. He earned a BA degree in African World Studies at Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley, Georgia with a concentration in African Literatures/Languages. Mr. Johnson has attended lectures at Cheik Anta Diop University in Dakar, Senegal; University of Cape Town in Cape Town, Azania (South Africa); and the University of Zimbabwe in Harare, Zimbabwe while participating in an independent study/study abroad experience.

Mr. Johnson’s research interests extend to the unifying and liberating implications of land repossession on human development in the African world, and utilize history and literature to examine the affects of land displacement.

Mr. Johnson plans to build centers of education designed to serve children of the African Diaspora. These educational centers will use an African centered curriculum as a means of fostering an African identity in the children of the African Diaspora.

After SU, he plans to complete a Ph.D. in Pan African Studies, continue his professional writing career, teach, travel, develop a periodical to serve urban youth, and continue to build the nation.

Alexandria Patrice Barabin

A native of Los Angeles, CA, Alexandria Patrice Barabin attended historic Crenshaw High School. Subsequently, she graduated from California State University, Northridge where she received her B.A. in Pan African Studies with an emphasis on Art and Literature. Additionally, she served as the Pan African Studies Writing Laboratory Instructor and the editor of the Hip Hop Think Tank, a student-led academic publication dedicated to deconstructing the sociological issues impacting Black youth culture. Alexandria will continue to explore the sociological and cultural nuances of the African Diaspora, including the examination of social and art movements' impact on higher education. After completing her PhD, Alexandria plans to become a full-time educator and writer as she continues to support social justice activism amongst young people of the Diaspora.

Cory J. LaFevers

Cory J. LaFevers completed his undergraduate work at The University of Houston where, in May of 2008, he graduated with high honors and received a BA in History with University Honors in Major. In addition to being placed on the Dean’s List in 2005, Cory has continually given guest lectures and presentations for the African American Studies Department since 2005. He was awarded a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship through the Honors College in 2007, and in April, 2008, he successfully defended his Senior Honors Thesis, entitled The Sound of Revolution: Radio Free Dixie, Robert F. Williams, and Music as Protest and Propaganda.

Cory’s research interests include the cultural history of the African Diaspora within a comparative and transnational context. He is interested in the interaction between various Diasporic populations and the role music played in forging these connections, how music is utilized within various protest struggles and revolutionary movements, and how music contributed to the formation and spread of Pan-Africanism. After completing his MA, Cory plans to earn a Ph.D. and to teach at the university level.

Anita Simons

Anita Simmons was born and raised in the Henry Horner Project Homes located on the Near West side of Chicago. She is a recent graduate of Columbia College Chicago where she received her BA in Cultural Studies and a Minor in Black World Studies. Anita's academic research interests include, but are not limited to Women and Gender Studies, Music, Art, and Literature throughout the African Diaspora, Black Feminist Theory and Black social, cultural and political movements. Within these broad categories of interest, she is specifically interested in the social, cultural, historical, and political formations that exist within each field. Throughout the African Diaspora, Anita is interested in the ways that race, class and gender intersect to create complex, non-traditional ways of analyzing, critiquing, and appreciating facets of the African Diaspora that are rarely explored. The possibilities for Anita's future are endless. She maintains that where ever her spirit leads her is where her heart, body, and mind will follow.

Fall 2008 PAS Class

Name

Biographies or Statements

David Mwambari

David Mwambari is from Rwandan. In summer 2007, he graduated from the United States International University in Kenya, where he received a B.A in International Relations and Psychology and has also been pursuing an M.A in International Relations at the same institution.

David regularly contributes articles on youth issues, in the New Times a newspaper in Rwanda. He has been interviewed and quoted in the newspapers, radio shows and television news prime in Kenya. His research interests include the role of the African youth in conflict, role of the African youth education in conflict, child soldiers, neo-colonialism and socialization, as well as regional integration among others. David has been involved in advocating the plight of African youth in post-conflict. He has also presented academic papers and invited as a panelist in various International conferences both in Africa and in the United States. David is a co-founder of Rwandan youth in Diaspora Association. The Association promotes reconciliation among Rwandans using Rwandan cultural dances and arts. He believes that both informal and formal education can be used as a tool to foster development and peaceful co-existence in Africa. He is affiliated with grassroots, regional and international non-governmental organizations working in conflict zones.

After completing his M.A at Syracuse, David hopes to persue a PhD in Peace Studies and continue to work with non-governmental organizations.

Fall 2007 Class

Name

Biographies or Statements

Paul Burgman

Paul Burgman is a graduate from The University of Houston majoring in Literature and minoring in African American Studies. In Spring of 2005 he was recognized for his academic success by being placed on The University of Houston’s Dean’s List. In 2006 he was a Dr. Kwame Nkrumah International Study Scholar as well as receiving the Office of International Studies Scholarship for studying abroad. In 2007 he was a founding member and first Vice-President of the Ankh Maat Wedjau Honor Society for African American Studies at The University of Houston and, in addition to his on campus accomplishments he was also inducted into the National Council of Black Studies Honor Society. In March of 2007 he was also awarded the Bardoli Global Fellowship which comprised of 100 student scholars in the Houston area. His area of study includes Africana literature and theatre as well as nation building in the Africana Diaspora.

Marcus Hill

Marcus Hill is from the historic Capitol Hill region of the city of Washington, DC (Not the suburban area of southern Maryland or northern Virginia). Marcus completed his undergraduate studies at Syracuse University where he received a BA in English and Textual Studies. His research interests are the roles Black women played in creating an entire culture that caters, centers, and revolve around their hair. Marcus hopes to show that this important popular culture aspect of Black women is evidence of how both the Pan-African movement is moving forward and simultaneously moving back.

Marcus hopes to one day write a collection of books on Black popular culture and their significance to the Pan-African movement, from California low riders to Screw music in Houston, Texas.

Zakiya A. Lasley

Zakiya A. Lasley is a native of the Washington D.C. area. She has just recently completed her undergraduate degree from Hamilton College in Clinton N.Y. where she received a B.A. in Women's Studies, and a B.A. in Africana Studies in which she received honors.  Zakiya looks forward to working in the areas of Black Feminist Thought and the use of non violent resistance in response to oppressive systems throughout the Black Diaspora. Upon completion of her MA degree in Pan African Studies, Zakiya plans to apply to Law School where she in turn will use her degrees to work in the arena of conflict resolution and civil rights organizing.

Jessica Mitchell

Jessica Ann Mitchell was raised in Milledgeville, GA. She completed her undergraduate work at Fort Valley State University where she majored in African World Studies with a Pre-Law Concentration. J.A.M. graduated Suma Cum Laude from Fort Valley State University in May 2007.

Jessica (JAM-THE-LBG) is an award winning spoken word artist and actress that strives to educate and uplift humanity through her works. She has received numerous recognition and awards. Recently, she was awarded a Superior rating at the National Association of Dramatics and Speech Arts 2007 Conference in the category of Dramatic Monologue. She was awarded 3rd place in the international Citizens for Global Solutions 2006 Virtual Poetry Slam Contest. She has also been the featured spoken word artist for numerous events and conferences. One such event was the Americans for Informed Democracy’s Darfur, the International Criminal Court, and Beyond: A Summit for Young Global Leaders.

After completing her MA in Pan African studies, J.A.M. plans to publish her first collection of poetry and her second spoken word CD. She hopes to use spoken word as an avenue to spread a global message of urgency and peace.

Divinity Pittman

Divinity Pittman grew up in Montclair, New Jersey. Upon graduating from the local high school she commenced her academic career at SUNY Geneseo and continued her educational endeavors at Syracuse University where she majored in sociology and minored in African American studies. In May of 2007 Ms. Pittman graduated from Syracuse with honors.

Pursuant to her work with the New York State Standing Committee on Children and Families, her research interests now include the role of race in the adjudication of sexually exploited children as prostitutes. Currently, Ms. Pittman is a Master of Public Administration candidate at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. She hopes to utilize her concentration in Public and Non Profit Management to spearhead a Christian organization which facilitates healing for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Ryan Travis

Ryan Travis is from Camden, New Jersey by way of Stone Mountain, Georgia. Receiving a B.A. degree from Fort Valley State University in May 2007, Ryan graduated Summa Cum Laude majoring in African World Studies with a concentration in Pre-Law and a minor in Sociology. His research interests include examining the impact people of African descent had on Theatre Arts, and analyzing how they are depicted throughout the Arts.

Ryan is the Co-Founder of Conscious Quest Productions, through which he has directed 7 productions, one of which has received national recognition at the 2007 National Association of Dramatic and Speech Arts Annual Conference. He notes that theatre has been used by people of African descent as an instrument to amplify their political, social, and spiritual voice: Ryan strives to continue in this legacy as a creative artist. Upon completion of his MA degree, Ryan plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Theatre Arts.

Halycon Sealey-Westmass

Halycon is from Guyana, a Caribbean country located on the coast of the South America. She lived most of her life, worked and did her undergraduate studies in Guyana. She received a Diploma from the Burrowes School of Arts in 1997 and a BFA (Bachelor in Fine Arts) from the University of Guyana in 2001. In both institutions, she majored in painting and minored in fabric design.

Halycon believes the conceptualization of deep artistic expressions is informed and dependant upon a sound knowledge of diaspora history. In this context, art functions as history in the visual form. Halycon’s research interest is based on tracing connections, incorporating similarities and differences, of the African people’s historical experience in the diaspora as it relates to the story of their art work.

Fall 2006 PAS Class

Name

Biographies or Statements

Anne Abaho

Born in Uganda, Anne completed her primary and high school education in Uganda. She completed her undergraduate from United States International University in Kenya. She studied International Relations and Journalism at Undergraduate. Anne is mainly interested in issues concerning the plight of children and women in war torn areas.

Anne has written articles in New Vision and Monitor (both papers in Uganda) on issues regarding human rights and the rule of law, child soldiers and border security among others. She also completed a research project on ‘Human Rights and Internal Armed Conflict: Child Soldiers in Sub Saharan Africa’ as part of her undergraduate study. Anne is currently enrolled at Syracuse University for masters in Pan African Studies.

Lillian Baker is a May 2006 graduate of Temple University where she completed a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology and African American Studies. Her academic performance earned her recognition on Temple's Dean's List and the National Dean's List. She received a Minority International Research Training Fellowship through the National Institute of Health and the University of Pennsylvania's medical school.

Baker's research interests lie primarily in the health issues that affect people of African descent across the globe. Past research includes exploring mental health taboos that prevent African American residents of Philadelphia from seeking treatment, and the psychosocial effects of Sickle Cell Disease on patients and families in Kumasi, Ghana, West Africa.

Upon completion of the Pan African Studies Masters program at Syracuse University, Baker plans to work at a nongovernmental organization in Africa that is committed to ending the health crisis and improving daily living conditions that many Africans face.

Asha Best

Asha Sarika Best
Though Asha is a native of Brooklyn, New York, Asha spent many of her formative years living on the outskirts of Boston. After a brief stint at Spelman College, she moved to Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California. In 2005 Asha earned her Bachelor's Degree in Comparative Literature. Asha is particularly interested in studying the Diaspora in the Caribbean and South America.

Pierce Freelon

Pierce Freelon was born and raised in Durham, North Carolina. He did his undergraduate work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he majored in African and African American Studies. Pierce received his BA degree in African and African American Studies with distinction and highest honors from the University of North Carolina in May of 2006. His research interests include music and education in the African Diaspora and ways in which Hip-Hop can be integrated into the classroom.

Pierce is an emcee in the Hip-Hop group, Language Arts (languageartsmusic.com) and the founder of a black cultural website called Blackademics (blackademics.org). His five-year plan includes releasing his second album entitled Language Arts presents: Class, developing the Blackademics website and continuing to work his Hip-Hop curriculum into high school classrooms throughout the Diaspora. Upon completion of his MA degree in Pan African Studies, Pierce plans on writing his first book, continuing to make music and developing ways to decrease the high school drop-out rate among Black students. He will eventually get his PhD in Black Studies.

Otieno Orwa

Otieno Orwa

Orwa is from Nakuru in Kenya. He took his undergraduate studies at Kenyatta University from where he graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Education (HONS.) degree in Kiswahili and History & Government. Orwa has a great interest in the Pan African agenda particularly the political and economic situation of continental Africa, and finds the MA in Pan African Studies helpful in building a greater understanding of Africa’s place in a rapidly globalizing world. He believes there is hope for Africa if it invests in a new generation of leaders devoid of pre-independence hangovers, less on rhetoric, averse to manipulations and dedicated to putting ‘development’ within tangible reach. “Though I see great hope in the continued movement towards regional cooperation, there is an even greater potential for growth  in a bottom-up approach that empowers those small grassroots communities to be agents of positive transformation, in their own special ways”, he says.

Mathias Sajovitz

After high school graduation, Mathias Sajovitz attended the Carinthian University of Applied Science (Technikum Kärnten) where he earned his Magister in Public Management with honors. Due to a strong interest in the humanities he then enrolled in a Magister’s program in English and History at Klagenfurt University where he took a leave in order to attend the Master’s program in Pan African Studies at Syracuse University.

In particular he is interested in historical and cultural as well as social issues. In the course of his studies at Syracuse University he would like to specialize in post colonialism. Ultimately, Mathias hopes to teach at the university level.

Fall 2005 Class

Name

Biographies or Statements

Adam Carpinelli

Adam Carpinelli is a graduate student in the new groundbreaking Pan African studies program at Syracuse University. He is also currently finishing up his first masters in Conflict Resolution at Portland State University. Adam works as a teaching assistant for the African American Studies department at Syracuse University. He volunteers as a, DJ and world music director for local and university radio stations, mediator and activist with projects pertaining to political prisoners. He is recently founder of the new student group "Music of the World" at Syracuse University. Adam is a multi-instrumentalist with a focus on West African and Afro-Cuban percussion performing professionally for and with local groups in the upstate New York area. His research interests include: Maroon Archaeology, Ethnomusicology, Religion, Peace and Non-violence studies, Social Movements and Philosophy. Regions of focus are mainly Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. He has published several articles on subjects such as Taino Survival and Caribbean Archaeology (2003), The African Diaspora in Cuba and Paradigms in Conflict Resolution (2005), The Lucumi Legacy of Resistance in Cuba (forthcoming).

Stephanie Dickerson

Stephanie Dickerson is from Rochester, New York. She completed her Bachelors degree in English Literature in 2004 at St. John Fisher College with a concentration in Secondary Education. She intends to get her PhD. in English after completing the Pan-African Studies Program to focus on African/Black images of both masculine and feminine identities seen in African slave narratives, as well as in film for her dissertation.

Simeon Saunders

Simeon Saunders is from Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 2005 where he majored in Political Science and minored in Sociology. Simeon is currently working on his Master of Arts degree in the newly installed Pan African Studies program at Syracuse University. Simeon has done extensive work in micro-government political activism and organization. His academic interests include examining African American political ideologies and evaluating historic political and social systems of pre-colonial Africa. He is attempting to find ways to formulate these historic ideation systems into a new discourse in African American political participation and activism. Simeon plans on working closely with political organizations aimed at increasing the voices and social action of disenfranchised and marginalized Americans on both the local and national levels.

Melissa Watts
Melissa began her academic career at Messiah College in 2001. She received her Bachelor's of Arts from Temple University in African American Studies. Upon completion of her BA, Melissa joined the job force as a social worker in Philadelphia. She was accepted to Syracuse University Pan African Studies Program as a Fellow. Her academic research focuses around the education of African Students throughout the diaspora. After Melissa completes her MA from Syracuse, she plans on continuing her education to receive her Ph.D. in African American Studies at another University. She wishes to once open an independent Black institution to educate our future.

Robert Webb II

Sundiata Salaam (Robert Webb II) was born in Camden, Arkansas. He did his undergraduate work at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, majoring in English with a minor in Technical Writing. His research interest is Pan-Afrikan spirituality. Specifically, he is interested in the way people of Afrikan descent practice their spirituality, as a way of life, as well as when they are struggling against imperialism and oppression. He worked (volunteered) for the Science Technology Entry Program (STEP), on Saturdays by conducting a book club on a biography of El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz titled: Malcolm X: By Any Means Necessary. "God willing I hope to be a professor, and to continue working with children in programs like STEP".

External AAS Fellows, 2007

Name

Biographies or Statements

Joshua A. Moses

Joshua Moses was born in the Bronx, NY and grew up across the Hudson River in Teaneck, NJ. He completed his undergraduate studies at Rutgers University in 2006 having earned Bachelors of the Arts degrees in History and Psychology. Josh's research interests include the Jews of the Jazz Era in New York City, American Society and Culture in the Late 1800's,  Twentieth Century American Diplomatic History, United States Foreign Policy with the Middle East and the experience of Black Hebrew Israelites and  Ethiopian Jews and their integration into Israeli society.

Josh's short term aspiration after completing his Graduate degrees in History and Public Administration is to work as a Foreign Service Officer for the Department of State or in one of the U.S. government agenecies involved in national security. After Syracuse he intends on moving to Washington where he hopes to secure a position that will allow him to work in the Middle East. In the long term Josh would like to teach United States history and International Relations at the collegiate level.

Karla Powell

Karla Powell graduated from San Jose State University where she received both Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in Sociology (minoring in African American Studies) with an emphasis in Social Change. Karla is currently a graduate student in the Ph.D. program in the sociology department at Syracuse University. In 2005 she was the first place winner of the Graduate Student Paper Competition from the Association of Black Sociologists for her Master's Thesis work. Her areas of research and teaching interests are Black Studies, specifically Black Identities, Black Popular Culture, and Black Radical Traditions.