Indiana University African Studies Program

African Studies would like to sincerely thank our Fulbright Language Teaching Assistants for this year, Femi and Louisa! From the moment they arrived, they have been devoted to assisting in not only teaching IU students in Yoruba and Kiswahili, but have volunteered in the broader Bloomington community teaching K-12 students in their respective languages and cultures! IU, Bloomington, and African Studies are better because of them! Thank you so much Louisa Joy and Femi for all you have done! You are extraordinary individuals and we will miss you! Know that you will always be a part of IU African Studies!

African Studies Program proudly celebrates Jacob Miner, one of our two Senior of the Year Awardees! This award recognizes graduating Seniors who distinguish themselves not only through their academics, but through their exceptional involvement with African Studies.

Jacob Minor will graduate with Honors in the Kelly School of Business, Management and International Business, and Dual Minors in African Studies and African Languages (Kiswahili).

Jacob is recognized for his outstanding academic record, sincere commitment to the study of African languages and Africa and its global diaspora, as well as his humility. He was a FLAS 2024-2025 Fellow awardee and finalist for the cancelled 2025-2026 FLAS competition. He has volunteered for the Bridges: Children, Language, World early language program for children in our community for several years now. Moreover, when he learned that Fairview Elementary needed assistance with Kiswahili translation for their “New Arrivals” students [refugee/immigrant families from DRC and Tanzania] and for parent-teacher conferences, Jacob volunteered. He has continued supporting other teachers and families at Fairview, Templeton, Arlington, and taught at both Bloomington North and South High Schools, while recruiting fellow Kiswahili language students to assist with this incredibly important service. He has been active in the ALCC student organization and volunteered with African Studies for other initiatives.