— Est. 1973 · NEW YORK STATE

Advancing African Studies Across New York & Beyond

NYASA connects scholars, educators, students, and community leaders to promote African and Africana Studies through conferences, publications, and collaborative exchange.

UPCOMING CONFERENCE

2026

The Future is Africa: Ideas & Innovation at the Epicenter of Transnational Africa

October 30–31, 2026

SUNY Geneseo, New York

Abstract Deadline: Aug 30, 2026

48+

YEARS OF SCHOLARSHIP

1973

FOUNDED IN SYRACUSE, NY

100+

MEMBER INSTITUTIONS

ANNUAL AWARDS

— OUR MISSION

Advancing African & Africana Studies Since 1973

NYASA was established in Syracuse, New York on November 2, 1973, in response to the convergence of African independence campaigns, the Civil Rights Movement, and the growing need for dedicated African Studies scholarship in New York State.
Today, we bring together scholars, educators, students, practitioners, artists, and community leaders from across New York, the United States, Africa, and the global diaspora.

“ The Future is Africa — and Africa is at the epicenter of the world

EDUCATION

RESEARCH

GLOBAL REACH

COMMUNITY

— WHAT WE DO

Explore NYASA

From annual conferences to publications, awards, and member networks — NYASA is the premier hub for African Studies in New York.

Annual Conference

Our flagship event brings together scholars and practitioners for two days of panels, workshops, and keynotes on African and Africana Studies.

Publications

NYASA supports journals, book projects, and scholarly publications that advance knowledge in African, Africana, and Africology studies.

Awards & Recognition

Recognizing outstanding scholarship through the Distinguished Africanist Award, Best Student Paper ($500), Mazrui Award, and more.

Membership

Join a network of scholars and educators across NY State and beyond. Faculty, individual, institutional, and student memberships available.

Committees

Governance, publications, elections, and advisory committees ensure NYASA's mission is carried out with excellence and integrity.

Global Partnerships

NYASA partners with the UN, UNESCO, African Union, CODESRIA, and Carnegie-Africa Foundation to advance Africanist scholarship globally.

— HISTORY

Past Conferences

NYASA has held annual conferences across New York State for over four decades, building a rich legacy of scholarly exchange.

2025

SUNY Cortland, New York

“47th Annual NYASA Conference”

Annual gathering featuring panels, workshops, and scholarly presentations on African and Africana Studies.

2024

New York State

“46th Annual NYASA Conference”

Scholars, educators, and practitioners gathered to discuss current African Studies research and scholarship.

2023

New York State

“45th Annual NYASA Conference”

A celebration of 45 years of advancing African Studies across New York and the global diaspora.