Albion Mends, a native of Ghana, West Africa, is one of the teachers involved in the new Africana studies minor at Central.

Mends is a minister and works at the Baptist Student Center. He has been involved with Central for the past two years, teaching Elementary Akan, the native language of Ghana, West Africa.

"Since I come from Africa, I feel that I have a lot to offer the students," he said.

Mends is a Central alumnus, having received his Master of Sociology degree in 1974. He also has his Master of Divinity from the Midwestern Theological Seminary in Kansas City. Besides Elementary Akan, he is also teaching exploring religions of Africa, the Caribbean and African America.

Mends plans on not only teaching the language, but also teaching students other areas of African life. "They will learn about the geography, politics, food and culture," he said. "People from Ghana would think you have been there before."

Africana studies is designed to help students' research, understand and teach the experiences of people of African descent throughout the world. The new 22-hour credit minor will also explore African contributions to art, history, literature and culture. The courses range from introduction to Africana to 20th Century African American Politics. Students can also earn credit hours for studying at the University of Ghana for a semester.

"The president said he wantsto affirem diversity on campus, and this (course) adds diversity," said Marla Selvide, professor of religious studies. Mends said it is an important time to learn about other cultures.

"Since Sept. 11, the world seems to be getting smaller and smaller," he said. "Understanding different cultures is important. We want the students, not only African Americans, to be exposed to a new area of study."