College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
African and African American Studies Program
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African and African American Studies Program

What if the key to understanding the world around you, lies in the stories you haven’t heard?

In African and African American Studies, we believe those stories are not just important, they’re essential. From the rich legacies of ancient African cultures to the enduring contributions of African Americans and African-descended people, you’ll engage with powerful narratives that reveal how people, cultures, and ideas have moved, adapted, and endured across time and continents.

Along the way, you’ll build career ready skills, including critical evaluation of ideas and evidence, strategic problem-solving, communication, research expertise, and cross-cultural understanding. Abilities that matter in today’s competitive job market.

Nea Onnim No Sua A, Ohu

“He or she who does not know, can learn.”

Akan proverb

A student sits and reflects at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, AL during a recent trip.
A student sits and reflects at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, AL during a recent program trip.

Across Africa, storytelling and proverbs have provided a powerful way for people to share what matters most, conveying community values, knowledge, and deep philosophical insights.

The Adinkra symbols were and continue to be used by the Akan of West Africa to add a visual dimension to this long enduring tradition. Their proverb of “Nea onnim no sua a, ohu,” or “He or she who does not know, can learn” reflects the heart of our program at Iowa State. It is an open invitation for lifelong learning, to seek knowledge, ask questions, and grow in understanding.

Whether you’re taking a single class or minoring in African and African American studies, you can expect to gain knowledge, connection, community & so much more!

cowry shell

We are not meant to be alone. We are connected by our humanity.

Maya Angelou

Connection isn’t just something we talk about. It’s what holds everything together. And nothing represents this better than the cowry shell. Once used as currency across Africa, cowry shells helped people exchange goods and services. Today, the cowry shell still holds significant cultural and spiritual importance, representing the living bonds between the past and present, between Africa and its global communities. African and African American Studies explores these connections to better understand the richness of Black life, thought, and creativity.