The Africana Studies Program (previously called Black Studies) was established in the fall of 1970. In the 1971-1972 academic year, the first Africana Studies classes were offered to YSU students after having been approved by the University Senate.1 The Africana Studies Program intends to provide the student with "an understanding of the historical, social, and cultural impact of people of African descent2" as well as a broad prospective of the problems the multicultural world faces and possible solutions to these problems. The focus of the courses is an Afrocentric theory which helps introduce students to the understanding of the African and African American world-view and civilizations, and help realize the major contributions made to the western civilization by people of African descent. The program also publishes a student run magazine (overseen by Dr. Victor Wan-Tatah) which is released each semester, called Ogele. Ogele "seeks to promote the appreciation of diversity in Y SU community through featured ideas and experiences of students, faculty and staff." The articles feature a variety of topics that have direct impact on the plight of Africans and African Americans in the YSU community. The magazine also features poetry, reviews, recipes, health issues, essays and commentaries3.

The Africana Studies is also involved in various activities around campus including cosponsoring various events with other departments and programs (i.e. the Poetry Center, women's studies, the Center for Working Class Studies and the Center for Student Progress). The program also collaborates with various community organizations to host a yearly Open House called, "Jabali" (Swahili for rock). The Africana Studies Programs also coordinates African American History Month in February. The program invites black scholars, business people, entertainers, and other notables to come to campus and participate in various events such as performances, plays, exhibits, and lectures4.