African 297: African and African-American Linkages

This course examines the historical and contemporary experiences of African immigrants in the United States throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. While much of African American and Black Studies has focused on the legacy of enslaved Africans during the Atlantic Slave Trade, this course highlights the often-overlooked narratives of Africans who migrated to the U.S. independently of that legacy. Our historical exploration begins with the significant wave of voluntary migration from Africa to the United States that started in the latter half of the 20th century. This shift was influenced by U.S. policy changes, including the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, the Refugee Act of 1980, and the Immigration Act of 1990, which established the Diversity Visa to encourage immigration from underrepresented countries, such as Benin and Cameroon. As a result of these changes, the number of sub-Saharan African immigrants in the United States has increased sixteenfold since 1980. While the majority of the 4.6 million Black immigrants in the U.S. come from the Caribbean, the representation of individuals from Africa is steadily rising. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that the total foreign-born Black population will more than double by 2060, reaching 9.5 million.

Students will analyze the historical dynamics of African immigration, focusing on diverse groups such as skilled professionals, refugees, and families reuniting. Key inquiries will include the formation of racial and cultural identities among these immigrants, experiences of racial marginalization, the impact of global events like 9/11 on their aspirations, and their contributions to the cultural fabric of U.S. society. The course will also dedicate a week to exploring the history of African migrants in Wisconsin, particularly in urban centers like Milwaukee, which have cultivated vibrant African communities. By examining these themes and narratives, students will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of African immigration and its significant role in shaping both the historical and contemporary Black experience in the United States.

The course will incorporate a range of materials, including the main textbook, The New African Diaspora, edited by Isidore Okpewho and Nkiru Nzegwu (2009), alongside diverse documentaries and a selection of novels such as Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue. Students will also explore oral histories that document the experiences of African communities across the U.S., with a focus on cities like Philadelphia, St. Paul, and Louisville. Furthermore, students will have the opportunity to engage directly with the local African immigrant experience in Madison through a potential field trip to an African-owned business, such as a Ghanaian restaurant.