African Independence Celebrations

Beginning with the Sudan (1956) and Ghana (1957), followed by Guinea (1958) and many former French colonies in 1960, most Sub-saharan African countries became independent by the early 1960s, and therefore have just or will very soon celebrate their independence jubilees. Research into these national celebrations, in a comparative and historical perspective, can provide important insights into past and present processes of nation building, with its political ramifications, but also its cultural strategies of creating ‘unity in diversity’, as Ghana’s popular slogan puts it. This e-mail list intends to support an informal network of scholars interested in research into the upcoming jubilees, enabling them to exchange information (bibliographies, events, etc.), discuss research designs and findings, and establish contacts for joint studies as well as workshops or conferences.

If you are interested in joining the mailinglist please send an e-mail to: lentz@uni-mainz.de or kornesg@uni-mainz.de