A forum for conversations about issues of importance to Africa, recently organized by a group of OSU students, faculty, and staff, held its first session on October 11th in Hale Hall. Remarks by Dr. Ryan Skinner, Professor of Music and of African American and African Studies, sparked a vigorous conversation about perceptions of Africa in the contexts of media and popular culture and the overtones of morality conveyed and perceived. The next discussion forum will follow up with a conversation about “The International Criminal Court and Africa: Implications for Justice and Sovereignty” on Friday, November 15th from 2-4:00 pm in Hale Hall 110B. Light refreshments will be served. Future forums in 2014 will address natural resources (January, February) and Diaspora and development (March, April) issues. The discussions are structured to provide some introductory remarks and context for the topic, but to be otherwise free-flowing and informal. All are invited to participate. Contact cas@osu.edu for more information.