Our program's mission is derived from The Catholic University of America’s strength as a dynamic academic and faith-based community which assists in the protection and advancement of human dignity. We aim to foster excellence in research and teaching by examining the experiences and contributions of African peoples throughout the Diaspora through their lens, with specific commitments to community engagement, activism, and safeguarding African heritage across the globe.

Of import to the mission of Catholic University is service and faith. Thus, Africana Studies offers an opportunity for students to have access to interdisciplinary content from culturally diverse perspectives which would further their abilities to question assumptions, deepen thinking, lead courageously, and serve empathetically. Africana’s praxis orientation fosters spaces where students and faculty learn from diverse communities, by conducting applied action oriented research while promoting positive change in the local communities, both at home and abroad.