More than four decades ago Harvard University launched what is now the Department of African and African American Studies.   We are dedicated to the passionate pursuit of one of the great and inspiring missions of human letters: bringing forward in full measure, the depth, richness, and complexity  of the African and African American experience.  In service of this ambition we offer courses and conduct research that explores the contributions, challenges, strivings, and achievements of those of African ancestry.  This includes a vigorous and expansive engagement with all domains of life on the African continent as well as equal dedication to casting as much light as possible on the farthest reaches of the African diaspora and the movements, lives, and legacies of peoples of African ancestry around the globe.