About Us

Our Mission

The mission of the Afrolatinidad Studies Initiative (ASI), is to enhance and expand transnational, transregional, and interdisciplinary scholarly exchange, research, education, programming, and student development in Afro-Latin American and Afro-Latinx Studies.

Current Projects

Our ongoing theme is “Transnational Dialogues” with activities through 2022 that include the following: “Transnational Dialogues in Afrolatinidad” webinars, the Dialogues in Afrolatinidad podcast, collaboration on the Dialogues in Afrolatinidad mini-documentary series in education, design of joint Africana Studies and Center for Latin American Studies undergraduate and graduate certificates in Afro-Latin American and Afro-Latinx studies, student internships, and an NEH Summer Institute for College and University Teachers.

Previous Activities

Past events have included a national conference, “Representations in Afrolatinidad,” (April 2019) a study abroad graduate seminar to Cuba (May 2019) and the “Afro-Latinx Perspectives: Race, Representation, and Society” student research exhibit (December 2019).

Internships

Academic internships (conducted virtually) are available throughout the fall, spring, and summer semesters. They are typically offered in the areas of project management and production, social media/marketing, and communications/website development. Use this link to request more information.

Sponsors

Funding from a University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) Seed Grant (2018) launched the Afrolatinidad Studies Initiative. Additional supporters include a Pitt Momentum Teaming Grant (2021-present), the Global Studies Center (2020-21), the Department of Africana Studies (2019), and the National Endowment for the Humanities (2021-present).