Introduction to Black (Africana) Studies
(First Edition)
©2026, 140 pages
Paperback list price: $63.95
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Introduction to Black (Africana) Studies offers students an analytical framework for understanding the impact of Africana in the world. The book guides readers through an exploration of core concepts, foundational scholars, and emerging theories within Black and Africana studies. It presents a rich examination of cultural, social, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of Africana existence, as well as historical perspectives that have shaped Africana collective experiences.
The text begins with an introduction of key terms before advancing through historical and methodological analysis. Students are encouraged to connect the concepts presented in the readings with contemporary challenges and issues relevant to Africana communities and the broader human condition. The readings showcase the interplay between the social, cultural, psychological, and spiritual aspects of Africana life and the historical events that impact them. The text includes learning objectives, section summaries, and quizzes to reinforce key learnings.
Introduction to Black (Africana) Studies is ideal for introductory courses in Black studies, Africana studies, or any course addressing global African diaspora topics. It can also be used in courses and programs in the humanities and social sciences.
A Statement in Recognition and Celebration of Black History Month 2026
“As we take this opportunity to observe another Black History Month, where attention is turned towards Africa, its diaspora, its people, its history, and by extension their respective place and presence in the global evolution of human civilization, I am pleased to share a word about an exciting new resource for faculty and students. Introduction to Black (Africana) Studies is a textbook designed to introduce students to the interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary engagement of Africana.
The text is unique in that it really is an introduction to the field, and it seeks to inspire students towards that engagement. Rather than being a text that seeks to be exhaustive in coverage in all the issues and topics that might be explored, it merely wants to ‘set the proverbial table’ and invite the student and scholar to join us. Emphasis is placed on the most basic concepts involved in the epistemological and ontological worldview that has animated the Africana presence in the world since the most ancient of days and frankly, that has at times brought upon its people, the most difficult of challenges as they struggled to resurrect the resilience of humanity in the face of some of the darkest systems of marginalization and oppression.
The text invites you to take a peek into the world of Africana in a survey format and to consider questions you yourself might have or develop in terms of research within an inclusive discipline that is, like those whose experience it, striving towards greater understanding of the meaning of ‘human’ and of justice and society, as well as the value of differences for constituting and consecrating the interdependent global community as a sacred space.”
Dr. Nikitah Okembe-RA Imani
Professor and Former Chair of Black Studies
Graduate Faculty
International Studies Faculty
Medical Humanities Faculty
University of Nebraska-Omaha
Department of Black Studies
The text begins with an introduction of key terms before advancing through historical and methodological analysis. Students are encouraged to connect the concepts presented in the readings with contemporary challenges and issues relevant to Africana communities and the broader human condition. The readings showcase the interplay between the social, cultural, psychological, and spiritual aspects of Africana life and the historical events that impact them. The text includes learning objectives, section summaries, and quizzes to reinforce key learnings.
Introduction to Black (Africana) Studies is ideal for introductory courses in Black studies, Africana studies, or any course addressing global African diaspora topics. It can also be used in courses and programs in the humanities and social sciences.
A Statement in Recognition and Celebration of Black History Month 2026
“As we take this opportunity to observe another Black History Month, where attention is turned towards Africa, its diaspora, its people, its history, and by extension their respective place and presence in the global evolution of human civilization, I am pleased to share a word about an exciting new resource for faculty and students. Introduction to Black (Africana) Studies is a textbook designed to introduce students to the interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary engagement of Africana.
The text is unique in that it really is an introduction to the field, and it seeks to inspire students towards that engagement. Rather than being a text that seeks to be exhaustive in coverage in all the issues and topics that might be explored, it merely wants to ‘set the proverbial table’ and invite the student and scholar to join us. Emphasis is placed on the most basic concepts involved in the epistemological and ontological worldview that has animated the Africana presence in the world since the most ancient of days and frankly, that has at times brought upon its people, the most difficult of challenges as they struggled to resurrect the resilience of humanity in the face of some of the darkest systems of marginalization and oppression.
The text invites you to take a peek into the world of Africana in a survey format and to consider questions you yourself might have or develop in terms of research within an inclusive discipline that is, like those whose experience it, striving towards greater understanding of the meaning of ‘human’ and of justice and society, as well as the value of differences for constituting and consecrating the interdependent global community as a sacred space.”
Dr. Nikitah Okembe-RA Imani
Professor and Former Chair of Black Studies
Graduate Faculty
International Studies Faculty
Medical Humanities Faculty
University of Nebraska-Omaha
Department of Black Studies
Dr. Nikitah Okembe-RA Imani is Full Professor of Black Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Nebraska Omaha. Before joining the University of Nebraska at Omaha, he taught courses in sociology and Africana studies at James Madison University. Dr. Imani earned his Ph.D. and M.A. in sociology and an M.A. in political science from the University of Florida. He also holds a B.S.F.S. in international politics from Georgetown University.
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Introduction to Black (Africana) Studies was featured in the National Council for Black Studies Newsletter 2025 Edition on Page 22 in the New Scholarship in the Field section.
