Lecturer
Civic Engagement
Q. How would you describe this course?
A. Service learning is a huge component of Africana Studies.
The course, created by our first department chair, Charles E. Jones, Akinyele Umoja, and Patricia Dixon is an experiential course where students learn about civic responsibility and then use their talents and skills to choose internships to serve in community organizations.
A primary aim of the course is that we try to make certain students don’t go in with the idea that they know what others want/need. We want our students to ask the people how they can assist the organization.
Students must write a journal, write a paper at the end of the course and complete a capstone project, which is presented in the classroom. The students invite family members or members from the organization itself to observe.
Q. What makes this course appealing for students?
A. I think the fact that we’re located in downtown Atlanta means the students who we serve have a consciousness of community. Being at Georgia State and seeing the area and seeing some of the people who are in need, students develop a compassion and ask, “How can I help?”
You can see the students find their center and develop where they want to be and where they want to help.
Q. Why is this course important?
A. One of the goals of Georgia State is to develop productive citizens in whatever area students choose to use their gifts. This course helps students do that. Whether you want to be an attorney, tax preparer, lawyer, educator, whatever your decision, your service and gifts aren’t just about you.
The foundation of this course is about empowerment of Africana Studies and the reason this discipline was developed. It’s about being a productive citizen no matter your chosen field.
Q. What got you interested in this subject?
A. Besides growing up seeing my family and their obligation to community, I took Dr. Akinyele Umoja as an Africana Studies major. I had Dr. Umoja, who has also served as chair of the department, for about six classes when I was a student, and we did community service.
It was a privilege and honor being under his tutelage.
The department itself is about service. That’s what got me interested when I came as a student to Georgia State. Growing up, my parents also served a lot through our church. Just serving the community. Service is just a part of who I am.
Q. What is the most unusual or interesting assignment you give in this course?
A. I think it’s the capstone project.
When students come, they have been sheltered and when they serve and seek people in need, they quickly realize need has no color, age, or gender. You get to see the students grow. I’d say that’s when students begin to develop and come out of their shell.
When students realize that this need is not just people who look like them, when they start seeing that need is need and hunger is hunger, I think that’s one of the things that helps me realize the purpose of the course.
Community means coming together and that becomes the purpose of their education and journey.
They begin to think about what legacy they will leave, and they feel like they’ve made a difference.
-Photos by Raven Schley