Kean Launches Statewide Initiative to Strengthen African American Studies in NJ

Kean University’s Center for Africana Studies recently hosted the New Jersey Coalition of Africana Studies Summit, a landmark event that launched a new statewide initiative to expand and enhance African American studies in higher education. 

Leaders from higher education, government, nonprofits and faith communities gathered at Kean’s Union campus on Wednesday, October 9 for the Coalition’s kickoff event.

“This Summit marks a significant moment,” said David Jefferson Jr., Ed.D., acting director of Kean’s Center for Africana Studies. “We gather here, not only to celebrate the profound contributions of Africana studies but to deepen our collective commitment to advancing this field.” 

The Coalition focuses on shaping public policy, strengthening academic programs, and building partnerships among colleges and universities in New Jersey. Beyond academia, it seeks to address the social, economic and spiritual needs of the Black community.

New Jersey Assemblyman Reginald W. Atkins, a co-host of the event, noted that African American history has been “confined to the margins.”

“This Summit is a call to reclaim our own stories, to honor those victories that have been silent for so long,” Atkins said. “History is not just a collection of dates and events. It is the foundation upon which we build our identity, define our purpose and shape our future.”

Rev. Forrest M. Pritchett, Ph.D., civil rights activist and director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Program at Seton Hall University, delivered the keynote. Speaking on The Future of African American Studies in NJ: Challenges and Opportunities, he gave an overview of African American history in New Jersey and emphasized the importance of building connections among institutions. 

“I am here in the spirit of the day—forming an interconnection between both public and private-sector institutions,” Pritchett said. “I encourage young people to understand the greatness that is within. If you simply recognize it, it is a powerful thing.”

Sancha Gray, Ed.D., senior vice president for entrepreneurial education initiatives and acting dean of Kean’s College of Education, noted the Coalition is another way Kean is anchoring down to support communities.

"This isn't a one-and-done meeting because the work is too important – for example, the Amistad curriculum, which was mandated by law over 20 years ago, has been slow to be fully implemented in many New Jersey school districts with the accuracy, engagement and informative approach it requires for both students and staff," Gray said. "As an anchor institution, we're committed to building partnerships with community stakeholders and other universities to address the intersection of public policy and Africana curricula studies in a fresh, innovative way.

Kean sociology Assistant Professor Kalasia Ojeh, Ph.D., highlighted the Coalition’s long-term impact. 

“We will remember this day as an important juncture to advance the knowledge of African-descended people in New Jersey public schools and institutions of higher education,” Ojeh said. “Today will be remembered as a day that showcased we are greater in numbers as a coalition.”

The daylong summit also included panel discussions and breakout sessions. The Coalition plans to hold biannual meetings and is actively seeking additional partners from across the state to support its mission of expanding and strengthening African American studies in both academic institutions and the broader community.

Rev. David Jefferson Sr., J.D., senior pastor at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Newark, praised Kean for taking the lead on the issue and envisioned the Coalition’s role in influencing public policy to prioritize African American studies across New Jersey.

“The best is to come,” he told the attendees. “You will build the foundation for our children.”