On May 18, Professor Horace Campbell of Syracuse University paid a visit to SPPM to discuss lessons on reparations and reconstruction in the 21st century from Africa. A distinguished professor of African American Studies and Political Science, Prof Campbell fought against apartheid and serves as a mentor for young African studies scholars. He is also the Director of the Africa Initiative at Syracuse University.

During his lecture he highlighted the need to reevaluate our understanding of reparations and reconstruction in the 21st century. Comparing Newtonian physics to Quantum physics he cited the need for academia to fundamentally transform the way the youth and society are being educated. In his speech he also talked about the lessons Africa can learn from China in protecting its cultural heritage and creating its own path of development.

The lecture was hosted by the director of international office of cooperation and exchange, Meng Bo and attended by faculty professors Zhang Yanbing, and Zhou Shaojie. There was lively and passionate discussions with many international students from the IMPA program who related their personal experience and feelings about their identities and the difficult challenges that face Africa. Prof. Campbell’s speech was well received and many students were inspired to further explore Pan Africanism.