Our History
The Genocide and Human Rights Research in Africa and the Diaspora (GHRAD) Center at Northeastern Illinois University began in 2013 when Dr. Jeanine Ntihirageza convened likeminded African and African Diaspora members of the NEIU faculty to examine the phenomenon of genocide in Africa. These include Dr. Chielozona Eze, Dr. Alfred Frankowski, Dr. Olivia Perlow and Dr. T.Y. Okosun.
After intensive discussions, they expanded the geographical areas to include the African Diaspora and held their first symposium, attracting the first group of supporters. The group held an annual each year since then, except for 2017 when the team attended the African Studies Association Conference, which was held in Chicago that year.
Our Mission
The Genocide and Human Rights Research in Africa and the Diaspora (GHRAD) Center at Northeastern Illinois University examines the history and manifestations of genocide in Africa and the Black Diaspora to understand the elements that can prevent genocide. Our research and informed action are a contribution to the intercultural understanding that will ensure that genocides will cease to take place in humanity.
