Whad'yaknow About Africa? Howard University (H/T Jomo and Anthony)

The world-famous Moorland-Spingarn (I have major beef with Mr. Spingarn but I will get to that some other time) Research Center has severely cut staff and is in danger of closing. (I actually tried to have a look at the center while visiting Howard a few weeks back, but the building was closed.) This would be a huge loss to black scholarship if it comes to pass.

Due to financial and structural setbacks, Moorland-Spingarn Research Center (MSRC) may be forced to close its doors after 95 years of existence, according to MRSC Interim Director Thomas C. Battle, Ph.D.

“The loss of 60 percent of its resources and the abolishment of some critical positions due to the Voluntary Separation Incentive Retirement Program (VSIRP) resulted in many problems,” Battle said.

MSRC is recognized as one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive repositories for the documentation of the cultural history of people in the African Diaspora, according to Howard.edu...Howard University administrative records is facing a cut back in hours of operation and loss of staff.

But apparently our young scholars in the making aren't making much use of the center.

“I don’t think many students even know this room exists,” said Ciera Briscoe, a freshman business management major.

You can read the entire story here.

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Speaking of Howard, I found this video over at Anthony Browder's Facebook page.

So here's how it goes down. A sista randomly quizzes Howardites about their knowledge of Africa. The results are hilarious and the interviewers facial expressions are priceless. Enjoy!

Interviewer: Could you name a couple of those [African languages] for us?

HU student: I believe Igbo...thats about the only one I know. I know they speak sign language. They speak sign-language everywhere.