About

Our History

The Genocide and Human Rights Research in Africa and the Diaspora (GHRAD) Center at Northeastern Illinois University was established in 2013 when Dr. Jeanine Ntihirageza brought together like-minded NEIU faculty members from Africa and the African Diaspora to examine the phenomenon of genocide in Africa. The founding group included Dr. Chielozona Eze, Dr. Alfred Frankowski, Dr. Olivia Perlow, and Dr. T.Y. Okosun.

Following extensive discussions, the group expanded its focus to include the African Diaspora and organized its first symposium, which brought together an initial community of supporters. The Center continued to hold annual symposia, with the exception of 2017, when the team attended the African Studies Association Conference in Chicago.

Our Mission

The Genocide and Human Rights Research in Africa and the Diaspora (GHRAD) Center advances interdisciplinary research, education, and public engagement on genocide and human rights in Africa and the Black Diaspora. By engaging students, scholars, and communities in rigorous inquiry, dialogue, and informed action, the Center deepens intercultural understanding, advances human dignity, and contributes to the prevention of genocide and human rights violations, while also fostering comparative study and dialogue on genocide and human rights violations in other regions and communities around the world.

Our Vision

GHRAD aspires to be a leading university center for scholarship, education, and dialogue on genocide and human rights in Africa and the Black Diaspora, connecting NEIU, Chicago, Illinois, and communities worldwide in the pursuit of knowledge, human dignity, intercultural understanding, and the prevention of genocide.

Our Values

1. Integrity and Responsible Scholarship

We pursue research, teaching, and public engagement with honesty, intellectual rigor, respect, and ethical responsibility. We approach the study and education of genocide and human rights with care for people, history, and communities represented in our work.

2. Excellence in Inquiry, Education, and Service

We emphasize excellence in interdisciplinary research, educational programs and events, scholarships, and service while creating opportunities and a welcoming environment for faculty, students, scholars, and community partners to learn from one another.

3. Diversity and Intercultural Understanding

GHRAD highly values diverse histories, perspectives, experiences, and forms of knowledge. We build a welcoming environment for dialogue that deepens understanding of Africa, the Black Diaspora, and the broader human experience connected to genocide and human rights.

4. Access and Inclusive Participation

We strive to make GHRAD’s educational, scholarly, and public programs welcoming and accessible, creating unique opportunities for students and communities with diverse backgrounds and experiences to participate, contribute, and lead.

5. Community Building, Dialogue, and Partnership

We build relationships across the University and with communities, educational institutions, scholars, and civic organizations to advance dialogue, scholarship, education, and the public good.

6. Empowerment Through Learning and Informed Action

We believe in responsible action driven by knowledge and understanding. Through research, education, dialogue, and student engagement, GHRAD empowers individuals and communities to advance human rights, civic responsibility, and genocide prevention.