Alosi J. Moloi

Professor

Alosi J. Moloi – Alosi.Moloi@csulb.edu

Academic specialties/ Area of interest:

  • African Languages and literature
  • Political institutions and nation building in Southern Africa.
  • Pan African Studies and World interactions.

Education Information (degrees and Universities attended):

  • Undergraduate:
  • B.A. and Honors B.A. University of South Africa M.A. (UNISA)
  • D. Litt. (University of the North, RSA)
  • South African Teachers Diploma (UNIN)

Courses

  • AFRS 100: Composition II

Personal statement

Today more so than ever before, the youth of African descent must have a thorough grounding in African history, culture, worldview and values. Too many forces are attempting to create a depreciated self-image among African American youth, persuading them to feel that being pro themselves, they are anti the establishment. They are accused of being anti-white when they study the heritage of their own people, yet white kids are not discouraged. They are encouraged to love and trust everyone else but their own kind as Willie Lynch advised. This historical amnesia ultimately produces shiftless, mindless, unproductive, dependent, and weak people. As parents and educators of African descent, we should be ashamed of ourselves and apologize to our children for having tolerated this nonsense, that our children learn to honor, celebrate and mimic other people’s stories while remaining ignorant of their people’s contributions to history and human development.

We owe it to our students, especially those of African descent, to provide a solid educational experience grounded in critical, analytical reasoning, strong communication skills, and true respect and tolerance for all peoples of the world. In an interdisciplinary approach, we must continue to teach about the significance, beauty, and ongoing evolution of African heritage. We shouldn’t become isolationists, or segregationists who dwell on injustices, past or present, confrontational politics, and exclusionary tactics in an often hostile Euro-centric milieu; rather, while fighting a fierce battle to create and sustain positive self-images, validate and honor our history and culture, we must also promote, teach, encourage and exemplify those values that support community building. African values and worldview must be emphasized to destroy depreciated self-images perpetrated by subtle agents of white supremacy myths.

In a heterogeneous country such as the United States, it is important to train young minds early that they are citizens of a global society. Therefore, they have to work for a common frame of reference, that is, cultivate unity and suppress negative urges that exaggerate differences, which, in turn, create divisions, tensions and hostility among various ethnic groups. Black Studies are among those critical disciplines that must increase the students’ understanding and awareness of, and sensitivity to international issues of diversity, race, ethnicity, class and gender. The Department of Black Studies Mission and Goals Statement clearly spells out our commitment to students, the university, and the community at large. It is our declaration that we shall not be willing collaborators in our own marginalization and exclusion by those who may still harbor secret thoughts that African people are not worthy of intellectual study at universities.