Olive-Harvey College Hosts 2-Day Conference Celebrating 50 Years of Africana Studies, this event is free and open to the public

CHICAGO —  Olive-Harvey College will host a two-day conference exploring the global impact, history, and future of Black culture and advocacy. The landmark event honors 50 Years of Africana Studies at the college.

“The mission of Africana Studies, which is open to everyone, is to embrace the richness of human history,” said President Dr. Kimberly Hollingsworth, Olive-Harvey College. “Africana Studies help explain how our modern society was built, shapes our daily culture, and provides a blueprint for protecting personal freedoms. It is not a niche or separate history, rather it’s part of the foundational story and collective history of the United States.”

“The conference will center on self-determination and healing following the United Nations’ Decade of People of African Descent Declaration,” said Professor Dr. Zoe Franklin, Olive-Harvey College. “The two-day program features an extensive lineup of educational programming designed to foster dialogue, reflection, and community action.”

The conference is free and open to the public. Community members, students, educators, and leaders are encouraged to attend.

Event Details

Dates: Wednesday, September 9 to Thursday, September 10, 2026

Time: 9:00am – 9:00pm daily

Location: Olive-Harvey College, Bruce Cherry Theater, 10001 S. Woodlawn Avenue in Chicago.

Cost: FREE

Key Presentations include the academic and cultural discussions covering:

• Hip Hop, Politics & You
• The Civil Rights Movement
• Women in Leadership in Ancient Egypt
• Reparations

This anniversary celebration provides a unique space for the Chicago community to engage directly with prominent themes of historical empowerment and justice. To register for the free event, click here or visit: Afro Am 50th Anniversary September 9-10, 2026

To learn more about the classes offered in Africana Studies at City Colleges of Chicago, click here or visit: www.ccc.edu/catalog