Recent Activities

The Owl of Minerva on a Baobab Tree: A Post Colonial Tree of Educational Awakening. Comparative and International Education Society Conference (CIES) "Education is That Which Liberates: Fifty Years of Education for Development in Africa: Taking Stock and Looking Forward" - Hosted by McGill Faculty of Education - Montreal, Canada, May 2-4, 2012.

Presided over AMSS Board Meetings via teleconference, 2012.

Participated in Africa Society for the National Summit on Africa Board Meetings via teleconference, 2012.

Attended Department and University Meetings - Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 2012.

Fall Term (Binghamton University): Course PLSC 389K Government and Politics in Africa: Continuity and Change, 2011.

Spring Term (Binghamton University): Course PLSC 403 Islam in World Politics, 2011.

Spring Term (Cornell University): Course ASRC 4201 Islam in Africa and its Diaspora, 2011.

Democracy and the Politics of Petroleum - Goddy Jidenma Foundation Second Annual Bi-Annual Arc Goddy Jidenma Memorial Lecture - Lagos, Nigeria, December 5-12, 2011.

The Arab Spring: Challenges to Democratization and Nation Building. Brown University Achebe African Colloquim - Providence, RI, December 2-4, 2011.

Roundtable: The Scholar Between Thought and Action: In Honor of Professor Ali A. Mazrui (Part I), 50 Years of African Liberation. 54th Annual Meeting of The African Studies Association (ASA), Washington, DC, November 19, 2011

Roundtable: Pro-Democracy Movements in the Legacy of "Pax-Africana": In Honor of Professor Ali A. Mazrui (Part II), 50 Years of African Liberation. 54th Annual Meeting of The African Studies Association (ASA), Washington, DC, November 19, 2011

Reception and Book Display in Honor of Professor Ali A. Mazrui, sponsored by the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT). 50 Years of African Liberation. 54th Annual Meeting of The African Studies Association (ASA), Washington, DC, November 18, 2011

Obama's Nobel Ancestors: Nobel Prize Laureates of African Descent. 50 Years of African Liberation. 54th Annual Meeting of The African Studies Association (ASA), Washington, DC, November 17-20, 2011.

Tribute to Sulayman Nyang. Reception in Honor of Professor Sulayman Nyang - Howard University, Washington, DC, November 16, 2011.

Islam in Africa: Expansion, Revival and Radicalization. Inaugural Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Distinguished Lecture - Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Islamic Studies Program - Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, November 1, 2011.

Interviewed on Local TV Stations Fox 40 and Channel 12 regarding Libya and Gadhafi, Binghamton, NY, October 21, 2011.

Interviewed by Citizens TV regarding comparative elections, via telephone, Binghamton, NY, October 21, 2011.

The Diaspora and Kenya's Education and Technological Development. Kenya Diaspora Conference in the United States of America - "Vision 2030 and Beyond: Sharing the Vision" - Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Washington, DC, October 8, 2011.

The State of Contemporary African Culture and Post-Independence Literary Production. Conversations with African Poets and Writers - Library of Congress, Washington, DC, October 7, 2011.

Honored at Conversations with African Poets and Writers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC, October 7, 2011

Diversity in Africa. Lecture for students visiting from University of the Free State (UFS) - Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, October 4, 2011.

From the Tragedy of 9/11 to the Triumph of Tahrir Square. Looking Beyond 911: Islam in the West and Democratic Trends in the Middle East and North Africa, co-sponsored by the Institute of Global Cultural Studies (IGCS), The Association of Muslim Social Scientists of North America (AMSS) and City University of New York (CUNY) - John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York City, NY, September 23, 2011.

Interviewed by Voice of America (VOA) regarding Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial opening in Washington, DC, via telephone, Binghamton, NY, August 29, 2011.

Interviewed by Patience, Visiting Scholar from Makerere University, Binghamton, NY, August 24, 2011.

Interviewed by Nirvana Tanoukhi for Transition Magazine, via telephone, Binghamton, NY, July 22, 2011.

Human Rights - Pwani University College, Mombasa, Kenya, July 9, 2011.

Kenya Coast Problems Rise from a Fall and Revival, Mombasa Polytechnic University College, Mombasa, Kenya, July 3, 2011.

Pro-Democracy Popular Uprisings: From Sharpville 1960 to Libya 2011: Comparative Responses" Africa Day Lecture - University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa, May 22-26, 2011.

Keynote. Popular Uprisings in Africa's Experience: From Soweto to Benghazi and Recipient of Lifetime Vision Award. Friends of Africa International 4th Annual Africa Day Benefit & Africa Vision Awards Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations - New York City, NY, May 19-20, 2011.

Received Lifetime Vision Award. Friends of Africa International 4th Annual Africa Day Benefit and Africa Vision Awards. Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations, New York City, NY, May 19-20, 2011

LDC-IV Global Civil Society Forum and UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC-IV) - Istanbul, Turkey, May 8-15, 2011.

Keynote speech. American Muslim Identity: A New Synthesis? Seminar on American Muslim Identity in the 2nd Decade of the Twentieth Century. Hosted by the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) - Herndon, VA, May 5-8, 2011.

Interviewed by Amadou Shakur for his Radio Show, via telephone, Binghamton, NY, April 21, 2011.

Interviewed on video by President of Friends of Africa International, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, April 11, 2011.

Lecture. Islam and the Arab Awakening of 2011. Africana Club, Bates College - Lewiston, ME, April 6, 2011.

Presentation. Pro-Democracy Uprisings in North Africa: Were Women Involved? 36th Annual Conference of the New York State African Studies Association (NYTASA) - State University of New York at Oneonta, Oneonta, NY, March 24-25, 2011.

Opening Lecture. The African Impact on the American Experience: Between Race and Culture. African Cultural Festival African Influences in the Diaspora - William Patterson University, Wayne, NJ, March 21-22, 2011.

Democratizing Muslim Societies from Above and from Below: Lessons from Ataturk and Tahrir Square. Fatih Foundation for Science and Art - Fatih University, Istanbul, Turkey, March 16, 2011.

Is Istanbul a Secular Jerusalem? Summit of Leaders of Change - Istanbul, Turkey, March 11-17, 2011.

Interviewed about Libya BBC Swahili Service Amka na BBC, via telephone, March 1, 2011.

Keynote. West African Islam and the American Experience. Panelist. Islamic West Africa's Cultural Impact on America and the World. Islamic West Africa's Legacy of Literacy and Music to America and the World - Tougaloo College and International Museum of Muslim Cultures (IMMC) Joint Historical National Conference: Bridging Cultures - Jackson, MI, February 18-20, 2011.

Interviewed by Pipe Dream Newspaper regarding Egypt, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, February 11, 2011.

Interviewed by BBC Network Africa regarding South Sudan, via telephone, February 10, 2011.

"(Is this) Pakistanism in Sudan?" (The Guardian print and internet news, Wednesday, 9 February 2011)

Panelist. The Implication of World Order Values for Teaching and Research. World Order Models Project (WOMP) Gathering - Newark and New York, January 27-30, 2011.

Piety and Partition. United Muslim-Christian Forum Interfaith Engagement Second Annual Celebration of the Happy Birth of Jesus, Son of Mary - Binghamton, NY, January 8, 2011.

Interviewed by Voice of America Sudan in Focus Radio Program regarding the current situation in Sudan with focus on north/south relations after the referendum, via telephone, January 6, 2011

The calendar year 2011 marked the 25th anniversary of The Africans: A Triple Heritage (TV and Book, 1986)

The academic year 2010-2011 marked the 50th year since Ali A. Mazrui first arrived in the USA as a Columbia Student, 1960-1961

Telephone Interview by Martin Mbugua of University of Delaware, February 5th, 2010.

Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) 10th Anniversary and SVP Showcase Event Mlimani City Conference Center. Keynote Speech: “The Nile, Source of Culture, Continuity and Change,” Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (December 4–10, 2009).

African Studies Association (ASA) 52nd Annual Meeting “Africa at a Crossroads” Roundtable: “From Osagyefo to Obama: Kwame Nkrumah’s Centennial.” New Orleans, LA (November 20–22, 2009).

Re-elected President of Association of Muslim Social Scientists of North America (AMSS) for another two years. Board Teleconference (AMSS) (November 16, 2009).

NAACP and Freedom Fund Dinner, 100 Year Centennial Celebration “Civil Rights: The Next Hundred Years?” “Is the Civil Rights Cup Half Full or Half Empty?” Binghamton, NY (November 14, 2009).

Africa Society Summit Board Meeting, teleconference (November 9, 2009).

BBC World Service Radio Interview. Anniversary of Berlin Wall Collapse, “Africa, the Cold War and the End of the Berlin Wall.” (November 9, 2009).

Visiting Distinguished Professor, Teaching & Research on the Black Atlantic World & Atlantic Africa; Cultural Forces in World Politics and Their Impact on the International System; Islam in Africa and its Diaspora, Penn State University, University Park, PA (November 1–3, 2009).

Jamal Mazrui’s Unsung Hero Award from The Mid Atlantic Organizations of the American Council of the Blind, Baltimore, MD (October 31, 2009).

Transafrica Forum/The Reginald R. Lewis Museum, One World, One Freedom & Where Do We Go From Here? Panels. Baltimore, MD (October 30, 2009).

Association of Muslim Social Scientists of North America (AMSS) and Institute of Global Cultural Studies (IGCS) Regional Conference. Theme: “The Obama Administration and US Relations with the Muslim World: Prospects, Progress and Lingering Skepticism.” Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY (October 16, 2009).

Prince Alwaleed bin Talaal Islamic Studies Program Meeting, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA (October 13, 2009).

22nd Annual Unity Banquet of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan, Burton Manor, Livonia, MI (October 4, 2009).

The 38th Association of Muslim Social Scientists of North America (AMSS) Annual Conference “Islamic Traditions and Comparative Modernities.” Co-sponsored by the Department of Religious Studies & the Department of Middle Eastern and South Asian Languages and Culture, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. Chair Panel I: “Islam and the West” (September 25–26, 2009).

Met with President of Friends of Africa International (FAI), Binghamton, NY (September 21, 2009).

BBC World Service Interview regarding the role of African tribal leaders in African society and politics today. (September 15, 2009).

Telephonic interview by Aroun Rashid Deen as a part of thesis research entitled “Is the African Union an Impediment to Development in Africa?” (September 3, 2009).

Cornell Fall Class begins “Politics of Global Africa” (September 2, 2009).

Binghamton Fall Class begins “Islam in World Politics” (September 1, 2009).

Addressed Military Officers from East Africa on “The Military and Politics in the New Africa,” the Defense College, outside Nairobi, Kenya (August 2009).

Visit to Mombasa Polytechnic University College of JKUAT, laid foundation stone and plaque of building named after Ali A. Mazrui and addressed large meeting of staff and students on “Kenya in Pursuit of Science and Technology: From a Technical School to Post Colonial Universities,” Kenya (August 2009).

Courtesy call on HE Yoweri K. Museveni, President of Uganda, State House, Kampala, Uganda (August 14, 2009).

Met a select committee on the Makerere-Mazruiana project update meeting and met the development partners — the Private Sector Donor Group during a cocktail party, Makerere, Kampala, Uganda (August 13, 2009).

Met the University Joint Special Senate and Council, Makerere, Kampala, Uganda (August 12, 2009).

Launch of Mazrui Chair and Centre, Makerere University Main Hall, Kampala, Uganda (August 11, 2009).

Met with Prime Minister Nsibambi, Minister of Education, Bitamazire, Kampala, Uganda (August 10, 2009).

Launch of a JKUAT Mombasa Central Business District Centre, Mombasa (August 5, 2009).

Widely interviewed by the media in Kenya and Uganda — newspapers, televisions, radio and magazines. (July–August, 2009).

Presided over and served as Commencement Speaker at two days of Graduation in Mazrui’s capacity as Chancellor. Chancellor’s topic: “Technology between Nostalgia and Anticipation,” JKUAT, Kenya (July 29–30, 2009).

Visit to Kimathi University College of Technology at Nyeri to launch the college’s strategic plan. Professor Mazrui gave a speech on “The Changing Technology of Liberation: From Dedan Kimathi to Barack Obama.” Kenya (July 2009).

Approached by the Indian High Commissioner to Kenya for commission to have Professor Mazrui’s name nominated for Indira Gandhi Memorial Prize awarded by Indira Gandhi Foundation, India. Professor Mazrui authorized the nomination. High Commissioner had come to Professor Mazrui’s hotel in Nairobi in July 2009 to seek permission for the nomination.

Attended Kenya Renaissance & Empowerment Conference (KREC) and Jamhuriwood awards, Boston, MA (July 17–19, 2009).

Participated in BBC World Service International panel evaluation of Barack Obama’s lecture from Accra, Ghana addressed to Sub-Saharan Africa. Other panelists included President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, Prime Minister Raila Odinga of Kenya and the Chief Ojo Maduekwe (July 11, 2009).

Africa Society Board Meeting via teleconference (July 7, 2009).

Attended American Muslim Taskforce on Civil Rights and Elections (AMT) Panel On “Culture & Politics: Strategies of Self-Empowerment” at the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), Washington, DC (July 3–5, 2009).

Continued as President and chaired the tele-Board meeting of the Association of Muslim Social Scientists (January–July 2009).

Participated in Voice of America, TV discussion of Obama’s Cairo speech addressed to the Muslim world. The discussion was televised to Africa and moderated by Shaka Ssali. Other panelists included Gamal Nkrumah and Sulayman Nyang, Washington, DC (June 9, 2009).

Molly Mazrui/Walker’s 70th Birthday Extravaganza. Hershey, PA (May 22–25, 2009).

Keynote Address. “The Meaning of Africa Day from the Age of Nkrumah to the Dawn of Barack Obama” and presented distinguished prizes at Africa Day benefit Reception, Africa Vision Awards 2009, sponsored by The Friends of Africa International (FAI). (May 21, 2009).

Book Presentation. “From Othello to Obama,” sponsored by The African Diplomatic Corps in Washington, DC and The George Washington University Africa Center for Health and Human Security, Marvin Center GWU (May 20, 2009).

Collected and pictorially illustrated Mazrui’s lectures on Barack Obama, delivered in four continents (North America, Africa, Asia and Europe). The lectures were bound in book-form and initially distributed to African Ambassadors in Washington, DC (May, 2009). They have since been presented also to Friends of Africa International, the President of Uganda, the Prime Minister of Uganda, the High Commissioner of India in Nairobi Kenya, leaders of the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya, leader of Markerere University in Uganda and other dignitaries in several continents. Kofi Annan (former Secretary General of United Nations), Salim Ahmed Salim (former Secretary General of OAU) also received a copy each.

Spring semester class at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (January–May, 2009). The class was “Government and Politics in Africa: Continuity and Change,” ASRC 3600/ASRC 6201. Dr. Mazrui was assisted by Professor Patrick Dikirr.
Spring semester class at Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY (January–May, 2009). The class was “Cultural Forces in World Politics,” PLSC 112. Dr. Mazrui was assisted by Professor Jayantha Jayman.
Guest edited jointly with Professor Seifudein Adem a special issue of the American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences (AJISS) (Summer 2009).

Speaker at the National Town Hall Meeting, “President Barack Obama: The First 100 Days,” sponsored by the Institute of the Black World 21st Century, New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, Washington, DC (April 24, 2009).
Seminar presentation [Roundtable] at the International Institute of Islamic Studies. Professor Mazrui’s topic: “The Emerging Foreign Policy of Barack Obama: Prospects for Africa and the Muslim World,” Virginia, USA (April 17–18, 2009).
Interview by Doreen Straughs for book project Interview Series with Writers and Intellectuals from Kenya and Uganda. Binghamton, NY (April 13, 2009).
Africa, Obama and Mazruiana Reflections. Lecture at Indiana University sponsored by IUASA, The African Studies Program, IU Union Board, AAADS, History. Bloomington, IN (April 11–12, 2009).
Lecture. African Identities in the Age of Obama. George Mason University, Fairfax, VA (April 8–10, 2009).
33rd New York Africa Studies Association (NYASA) Conference Reconstruction, Peace and Transformation in Africa. The Africa Initiative of Syracuse University at the Department of African American Studies. Special Panel: Barack Hussein Obama, Sr. and the Kenya Independence Movement, Kenya on the Eve of Independence: The Role of Intellectuals and Special Mini-Plenary: Kwame Nkrumah and the Birth of Modern African Diplomacy: A Centenary Roundtable Kwame Nkrumah and Barack Obama: Convergence and Divergence. Syracuse, NY (April 3–5, 2009).

Gave the Andrew Young Lecture. Professor Mazrui’s topic: “Waning Racism and Waxing Culture-Conflict: From Othello to Obama.” Sponsored by the African Society for the National Summit, Washington, DC (March 2009).

African Government and Politics Seminar for Lyceum. Binghamton, NY (March 30, 2009).
Appointment as the 2008–2009 M. Thelma McAndless Distinguished Professor in the Humanities, Eastern Michigan University. Major Public Lecture at the Auditorium of the Student Center. Africa in a Global Racial Context: From Othello to Obama; Seminar “The Africans: A Triple Heritage”; Meeting with Students of EMU Student Organizations; Guest Lecture: Intro to African Civilizations. Ypsilanti, MI (March 12–23, 2009).
African and African American Perspectives on Barack Obama. Speech on Panel for Black Student Union. Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY (March 26, 2009).
Interview by Murefu Barasa (Yale Student) for book “This is Your Country.” (March 11, 2009).
Saira Raza Dissertation Defense (Masters of Professional Studies). Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (March 4, 2009).
A Presentation at the International Studies Association 50th Annual Convention “Exploring the Past, Anticipating the Future.” Kwame Nkrumah and the Birth of Modern African Diplomacy: A Centenary (Roundtable Diplomatic Studies Global Development), New York City (February 14–16, 2009).
Panel discussion on the Siege of Gaza. Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY (February 12, 2009).
A meeting of American Muslim Task Force on Civil Rights and Elections. US Human Rights Convention Restoring America’s Promise. Washington, DC (February 6, 2009).
Telephone interview by Martin Mbugua of University of Delaware (February 5, 2009).
Speech at the Africa Society Andrew Young Lecture Series, Is this the Dawn of a Post-Racial Age? From Othello to Obama. Embassy of the Republic of Ghana, Washington, DC (January 29–30, 2009).
Panel Discussion. “Voice of America” Live Radio/Television Simulcast on Obama Inauguration. (January 21, 2009).
A live Radio interview with “Voice of America” Live Radio/Television Simulcast on Obama Inauguration. (January 21, 2009).
A live Radio interview with “Voice of America” on Obama Inauguration. (January 20, 2009).
An interview for Spotlight Africa KPFK Radio 90.7 FM, Los Angeles, on Obama Rising in a Post-Racial Age, via telephone by Assumpta Oturu. (January 19, 2009).
A meeting with Dr. Ahmed Fituri and Television Interview for Citizen TV of Kenya. Washington, DC (January 15–16, 2009).
Published Africa’s Islamic Experience: Culture, History & Politics. Editors: Ali A. Mazrui, Patrick Dikirr, Robert Ostergard, Jr., et al. (Publisher: Sterling, New Delhi, India, 2009).
Interview. Voice of America Television/Radio Simulcast with Shaka Ssali live broadcast to Africa. (November 2008).

Presentation. “Isaac Mowoe, Barack Obama and Comparative Africanity: In Search of a Post-Racial Society,” at Professor Isaac Mowoe’s Retirement Dinner Reception, Columbus, OH (November 2008).

Lecture. “In Search of a Post-Racial Society: From Othello to Obama.” Co-sponsored by the Ohio State University Center for African Studies and the Center for Middle East Studies, Columbus, OH (November 2008).

Dr. Mazrui extensively interviewed by Africa Quarterly, New Delhi, India’s oldest regular publication about Africa. (November 2008).

Dr. Mazrui addressed a special meeting of Africa’s ambassadors and High Commissioners to New Delhi, India, organized by the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, and by Kenya’s High Commissioner to India. Main theme: “How is Africa Affected by Crises in World Economy?” (November 2008).

Dr. Mazrui received by Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, at the latter’s home, accompanied by Pauline Uti Mazrui and Michael Ngonyo Hindzano. Presented to Dr. Singh Mazrui’s book Euro-Jews and Afro-Arabs (edited by Seifudein Adem). (November 2008).

Keynote Address at Fundraising Banquet for Council of Islamic Organization of Greater Chicago, Chicago, IL. Subject of Keynote Address: “Declining Racism and Rising Islamophobia.” (November 2008).

Dr. Mazrui participated on a panel to mark Mazrui’s 75th birthday on the theme “Rival Paradigms for Studying Africa,” annual meeting of the African Studies Association of the United States, Chicago, IL (November 2008).

Keynote Address. “Engaging Resurgent Africa,” sponsored by Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi, India. Accompanied by Pauline Uti Mazrui and Michael Ngonyo Hindzano. Also lectured at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, on the subject “From Black Power to Barack Power: Between Race and Culturem.” (November 2008).

Dr. Mazrui participated in Board meeting of the Africa Society for the National Summit on Africa, Washington, DC (November 2008).

Keynote Address. Conference to mark 50th anniversary of the publication of Chinua Achebe’s novel, Things Fall Apart, held at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC. Chinua Achebe was himself in attendance. (November 2008).

Dr. Mazrui is interviewed on film by former Ambassador Akbar Ahmed, wife and students for book and web blog “Journey into America.” (October 2008).

Dr. Mazrui attended Africa Summit Board Meeting, Washington, DC (October 2008).

Dr. Mazrui participated as one of the panelists at Plenary Session on “Slave Routes: Resistance, Abolition & Creative Progress,” sponsored by New York University and the Schomburg Center, NYC (October 2008).

Dr. Mazrui presided at annual meeting of the Association of Muslim Social Scientists held at Divinity School, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA. General theme of conference “Crossing Boundaries: Mobilizing Faith, Diversity and Dialogue.” (October 2008).

Dr. Mazrui attended conference at the University of Vaxjo, Sweden, on the general theme “The Role of the Political Opposition in Africa’s Democratic Experiments.” Mazrui’s topic “Crisis in Africa’s Democratization: In Search of Checks and Balances.” (October 2008).

Dr. Mazrui is interviewed by Jamaica Radio (September 2008).

Dr. Mazrui chaired teleconference of the Board of the Association of Muslim Social Scientists [August 28th AMSS – Sept. 25th Africa Survey].

Dr. Mazrui attended symposium on Euro-African Relations sponsored by Centre for Conflict Resolution, Cape Town, South Africa. Topic: “Black Atlantic From Othello to Obama.” Also gave a public lecture at University of Cape Town on “Towards a Postracial Age: From Othello to Obama.” (September 2008).

Keynote Address. Oromo Studies Association (OSA) Conference, Minneapolis, MN. Topic: “Politics and Ethnicity in the Horn of Africa.” (August 2008).

Dr. Mazrui participated in opening of Fall 2008 Semester at Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY. He is also teaching Course No. PLSC 486F — AFRICA IN WORLD POLITICS. Surprising number of students from Turkey enrolled.

Dr. Mazrui attended meeting of the American Muslim Alliance (Professor Agha Saeed) and other Islamic Organizations in Washington, DC. [This appears to have been May 10th AMT Scholars Meeting]. Also in attendance were the daughters of Malcolm X. (Malik El-Shabaaz) (August 2008).

Dr. Mazrui participated in selecting the next Vice Chancellor of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, subject to confirmation by Kenya’s Head of State. The process resulted in the appointment of this University’s first woman Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mabel Imbuga and only the second female Vice-Chancellor of a public university in Kenya. [There are seven public universities in the country and several private institutions].

Presention in absentia. “DEMOCRACIDE: Who Killed Democracy in Africa?”, Regional Conference on Democracy, hosted by Ministry of Justice, Nairobi, Kenya (August 20, 2008). Mazrui’s paper was presented on his behalf by William Mayaka, former Permanent Secretary, Kenya Government, Nairobi.

Dr. Mazrui participated in BBC World Service Radio Panel (intercontinental), three-hour Sunday Forum. Mazrui was in a BBC studio in Nairobi, interviewed from BBC Headquarters in London, jointly with another panelist in London (July 2008).

Dr. Mazrui attended annual meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, Oxford, England (July 22–23, 2008).

Presentation. Kampala, Uganda, to mark the 15th anniversary of the restoration of the monarchies in Uganda, and 15th anniversary of the Coronation of Kabaka Mutebi II of Buganda. Mazrui was also formally welcomed by the Kabaka. (July 2008).

Lecture. KARA quarterly luncheon, Nairobi, Kenya on the theme “Barack Obama: Brain Drain or Brain Gain?” The lecture was televised live on Kenya television.

Dr. Mazrui presided over graduation and awarded degrees as Chancellor of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Thika, Kenya, annual graduation ceremony (July 2008).

Dr. Mazrui participated in the media to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday. Interviewed by Nelson Mandela Foundation, Pretoria, by long-distance telephone; published interview in City Press (Johannesburg newspaper). Special article commissioned by Sunday Nation on “Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama as Post-Racial Icons.” (July 2008).

Luncheon in honour of Kenya Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Ritz Carlton Hotel, Washington, DC (June 2008).

Dr. Mazrui attended meeting of Muslim Scholars and Election Activists held in Washington, DC, sponsored by the American Muslim Alliance. Agenda “Promoting Muslim Participation in the 2008 United States Elections.” (May 2008).

Weekly feature articles by Mazrui for The Standard (Nairobi) and The Monitor (Kampala). Also Mazruiana monthly feature articles in The City Press (Johannesburg).

Dr. Mazrui participated in the media concerning the 2008 Post-Election Kenyan crisis and the search for solutions. Interviewed by Voice of America (Television); National Public Radio (“Talk of the Nation,” USA); British Broadcasting Corporation (radio); The Guardian (London newspaper); The Standard (Nairobi newspaper); The Monitor (Kampala newspaper); City Press (Johannesburg newspaper); Interviews on radio and television, Nairobi, Kenya.

Dr. Mazrui awarded Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters Honoris Causa, by Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, OH (April 21, 2008). Special acceptance speech on “The United States as a Universal Nation: Between the Crescent and the Star-spangled Banner."

Cornell celebration of Mazrui’s 75th Birthday jointly sponsored by Africana Studies and Research Center, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY annual meeting of New York African Studies Association, and Association of Muslim Social Scientists of North America (March 29, 2008).

Dr. Mazrui Chaired first Board meetings in his capacity as newly-elected President of the Association of Muslim Social Scientists of North America (March 2008).

Binghamton celebration of Mazrui’s 75th birthday held at Days Inn, Binghamton, NY (February 2008). Multiple speakers from Binghamton University, Cornell, Canada and elsewhere. Also special anecdotes from members of the Mazrui family.

Presentation on 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade by an act of the British Parliament (1807 to 2007). This part of the celebration was held in Aberdeen, Scotland (February 2008).

Presentation on “Was the Abolitionist Movement the First War on Terror?” at a conference to mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade by the US Congress (January 1808 to January 2008), held in 2008 at the National Archives, Washington, DC.

As newly-elected President, Dr. Mazrui Chaired for the first time the Board of the Association of Muslim Social Scientists of North America (December 2007).

Dr. Mazrui participates as one of the principal speakers at a “Teach-In Session against Islamophobia and Hate Speech” on Bingahamton University’s campus. The Teach-In was in protest against Daniel Pipe’s speech the next day, also on Binghamton University campus, Binghamton, NY (December 2007).

Elected President of the Association of Muslim Social Scientists of North America (November 2007).

Keynote address. “The Tensions of Black Liberation: From Post-Enslavement to Post-Coloniality,” Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (November 2007).

Lecture. “Inter-Faith Dialogue and the Search for Stability: The Religious Factor in the Greater Horn,” UNESCO’s Greater Horn Horizon Initiative, Djibouti (November 2007).

Presentation on “Interpreting the Islamic Tradition on the Contemporary World,” Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Islamic Studies Conference, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA (November 2007).

Presentation on “Black Abolitionists as Warriors against Terror,” 50th Annual Meeting of the African Studies Association, New York, NY (October 2007).

Dr. Mazrui’s 1993 M.K.O. Abiola lecture on “Global Africa” named one of the 50 Fabulous Firsts at the 50th Annual Meeting of the African Studies Association, New York (October 2007).

Lecture at The W. E. B. Du Bois Center on “From the Color-Line to the Culture-Line in Global Politics: Du Bois, Nkrumah and the New Clash of Civilizations,” Accra, Ghana (October 2007).

Lecture at the British Council on “Paradoxes of Leadership in Africa’s Experience: Between Post-Coloniality and Globalization,” Accra, Ghana (October 2007).

Lecture sponsored by Horisont Foundation on “Can African Culture Survive Globalization?” Oslo, Norway (October 2007).

Lecture at the Christopher Okigbo International Conference on “Between Heroic Universalism and Parochical Martyrdom: The Life and Death of Christopher Okigbo,” Harvard, Boston University and University of Massachusetts Campuses (September 2007).

Dr. Mazrui attends the academic council meeting of the Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University, Washington, DC (September 2007).

Dr. Mazrui attends board meeting of the Africa Society of the National Summit in Washington, DC (September 2007).

Lecture. “Islam and the Black Experience: Expansion, Revival and Radicalization,” Miami University, Oxford, OH (September 2007). For news release click here

Dr. Mazrui attends “An Evening with Ali Mazrui,” at the W. E. B. Du Bois’s Pan-African Center. The event included Mazrui’s opening remarks, questions and answers and showing of two episodes from his The Africans: A Triple Heritage (Videos), Accra, Ghana (August 2007).

Ghana’s 50th anniversary lecture on “The Brain Drain and the Dual Diaspora: Post-Enslavement and Postcoloniality,” sponsored by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and NEPAD; and Ghana’s @ 50 Secretariat, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana (August 2007).

Dr. Mazrui honored as a “Liberation Hero” by the Mau Mau Veterans Association, Nairobi, Kenya (July 2007).

Abu Mayanja memorial lecture on “Between Secular Activism and Religious Observance: Abu Mayanja and Africa’s Triple Heritage,” sponsored by Abu Mayanja Foundation, Kampala, Uganda (July 2007).

Chancellor Mazrui presides over the graduation ceremony of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. The Chancellor’s address was titled, “University Management and the Torch of the African Renaissance: A Graduation Address,” Thika, Kenya (July 2007).

Dr. Mazrui attends Board of Trustees Meeting of Oxford Center for Islamic Studies, Oxford, UK (July 2007).

Africa Center’s 5th Annual Lecture on “Cultural Forces in World Politics: Implications for Africa,” Dublin, Ireland (June 2007). Via-Satellite.

Keynote address at a regional conference of Rotary Clubs of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Eritrea, held at Munyonyo Speke Hotel on “Counter-Ecology: Is the Human Presence its Own Global Environment?” near Kampala, Uganda (May 2007).

Lecture on “Pax Islamica? Issues of War and Peace between the West and the Muslim World,” Oxford Center for Islamic Studies, Oxford, UK (May 2007).

The Tenth Commonwealth Lecture on “The Power of Language and the Politics of Religion,” London, England (May 2007). For details, click here and here.

The Order of the Grand Companion of O. R. Tambo from President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa (April 2007). For news report, click here and here.

Public Lecture. “Paradoxes of Post-Colonial Heroism: The African Experience.” University of the Witwatersrand, (Wits), Johannesburg, South Africa (April 2007).

Video Presentation. “The Macro-History of Language: From Eden to England.” An International Conference on “Going Global, Going Vernacular: Appropriation and Disowning of English in Post-colonial Contexts,” Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (April 2007).

Keynote Address. “Images of Ethiopians in Religion, Politics and Culture: From the Muezzin Bilal to the Opera Aida.” International Symposium on “Imaging Ethiopia: Monarchy and Modernity.” Sponsored by Institute of Ethiopian Studies, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia; and Africana Studies and Research Center, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (April 2007).

Keynote speech in the Abrahamic Faith Peacemaking Initiative Series, at the Islamic Center of Southern California (April 2007). For related news click here.

Speech at the UN Headquarters on a panel, “The Transatlantic Slave Trade: The Tragedy, the Legacy,” New York City (March 2007).

Institute of Global Cultural Studies co-sponsors dual anniversary panel “Celebrating Black Freedom,” on the occasion of the 200th and 50th anniversaries, respectively, of the end of Atlantic slave trade and independence of Ghana. Professor Locksley Edmondson (Cornell University) and Professor Abena Busia (Rutgers University) spoke on the occasion, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY (March 2007).

Appearance in “Free at Last,” a BBC World Service documentary about the end of Atlantic slave trade (March 2007). For audio click here.

Presentation at a roundtable chaired by James Mittleman. “Is the Study of World Politics Lagging behind World Politics?” at the annual Meeting of the International Studies Association, Chicago, IL (March 2007).

“Living Legend Award” from Organization of West African States (ECOWAS) and African Communication Agency (February 2007). Other awardees included Boxer Muhammad Ali. The plaque was presented to Dr. Ali Mazrui in Accra, Ghana (August 2007). To read Mazrui’s acceptance speech, click here. To listen, click here.

Lecture. “Islam Between Clash and Concord of Civilizations” at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Catham House, London (January 2007).

Lecture. “Africa in a World of Disorder” sponsored by the Royal African Society and the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, London, England (January 2007).

Lecture. “Islam Between Clash and Concord of Civilizations,” at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Catham House, London (January 2007).

Lecture. “Africa in a World of Disorder,” sponsored by the Royal African Society and the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, England (January 2007).

Presentation. “Waning Racism and Waxing Culture-Conflict: A Transition Between Centuries,” on the panel “Africa Between Clash and Concord of Civilizations,” 49th African Studies Association Meeting, San Francisco, CA (November 2006).

Interview. Radio New Zealand International (October 2006). To listen, click here.

Keynote Presentation. Africast conference, Abuja, Nigeria (October 2006). For details, click here.

Keynote Speech. AFRICAST, National Broadcasting Commission “Messages and Images Between the West and the Rest: Media, Academy and the Internet,” Abuja, Nigeria (October 2006). click here for newspaper report

Dr. Mazrui receives Honorary Doctorate in African Studies from the University of Venda, South Africa (September 2006).

Keynote Speech. Third Steve Biko Coloquium, Johannesburg, South Africa (September 2006).

Keynote Speech. “Nationalism, Power and Africa at War,” at Symposium on “Power and Nationalism in Modern Africa,” Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (September 2006).

Keynote Speech. “Uganda Between the Dual Society and the Dual Polity,” Uganda-American Association, New York (September 2006).

Acceptance Address. When receiving Honorary Doctorate in African Studies from the University of Venda, Venda, South Africa (September 2006).

Ugandan President Museveni meets Dr. Ali Mazrui, Kampala, Uganda (August 2006). For details, click here.

Oxford Amnesty Lecture. “Africa and Islam: In Search of Seven Pillars of Wisdom,” Oxford, England (August 2006).

Keynote Lecture. “The Role of the Academy in Politics and Economics,” 40th Anniversary of the Bank of Uganda Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda (August 2006).

Presentation. “Central Banking and the Culture of Money in Globalization,” 40th Anniversary of the Bank of Uganda, Munyonyo Speke Resort, near Kampala (August 2006).

Chancellor’s Address. Annual Graduation of the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Thika, Kenya (July 2006).

Keynote Speech. “From Bandung to Baghdad,” Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH (April 2006).

Presentation. “Conceptualizing the Diaspora: Towards New Vocabulary.” Symposium on The New African Diaspora, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY (April 2006).

Somaliland President Kahin meets Dr. Mazrui for consultation at Hargesia, Somaliland (March 2006). Click here.

Public Lecture. “Africa’s Bondage of Boundaries: Can the Shackles be Loosened?”, Hargesia University, Hargesia, Somaliland (March 2006).

Address to Houses of Parliament. “Cultural Continuities and Constitutional Innovation.” Hargesia, Somaliland (March 2006).

Keynote Presentation. “Political Leadership and Comparative Martydom.” Commemoration of Murtala Muhammad’s Assassination, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria (February 2006).

Inaugural Lecture. “Global Africa: Walter Rodney,” Anniversary of Rodney’s Assasination. The Symposium was held at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (January 2006).

Distinguished Lecture. “Afrabia: From Arabo-Hebraic to Afro-Arab Convergence,” Bibliotheca Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt (January 2006).

Closing Address. International Conference to mark 50th anniversary of Sudan’s Independence, “Sudan in the Context of Afrabia,” sponsored by International University of Africa, Khartoum, Sudan (January 2006).

Address. University of Khartoum, broadcast by Al-Jazeera Television, on the topic “Africa, Islam and Modern Pillars of Wisdom,” Khartoum, Sudan (January 2006).

Address. University of Juba, “Sudan Between Modernization and Westernization,” Khartoum Campus of University of Juba, Sudan (January 2006).

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