Mayibuye, a word that literally means “let it return” is a term of restoration and self-retrieval of memories, cultures and histories subordinated to a global imaginary. It signifies a willingness to engage and respond to the processes that have eroded and challenged human and social welbeing in African countries and other marginalized societies. Mayibuye is no mere entreaty, but a challenge which has personal meanings for me for it has galvanized my partnership with colleagues across many national frontiers, South Africa, Nigeria and the United States, in creating projects that would help generate a renewal of meaningful learning, teaching and service for social transformation in our societies.

Some of the many outcomes of this engagement include

- The current international collaborative classroom project, “Africa Through Film” between Ithaca College and the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

- Proposed extended study programs between Ithaca College and universities in Africa

- A Development and Social Transformation Tutorial, which prepares young scholars to effectively engage critical social issues.

- The Partnership of the Academy and Community program and the Alliance for Community Transformation initiative which both support critical social actors in engaging the struggles against impoverishment and oppression in African societies.

The Scholar-Practitioner
In the face of protests against the legacies of colonialism, imperialism, globalism, militarism and other infamous ‘isms’ that have altered the global landscape, Mayibuye is a call for change. The projects on this website are pedagogical, intellectual and service-oriented tools created to challenge and innovate through mutually respectful and mutually beneficial partnerships, within the classroom and on the field, toward a redefinition of the worlds in which we live.

I invite you to re-envision the academy as a potential ally in the struggles for meaningful social and global transformations.