Arthur Lee Smith Jr., later known as Molefi Kete Asante, was born in Valdosta, Georgia, in 1942. Throughout his career, he has authored more than 90 books, establishing himself as a significant figure in African-American studies and communication theory. His work centers on the conceptual framework of Afrocentricity, which advocates for positioning African people as subjects in their own historical narratives.
Academic Foundation and Early Career
The fourth of sixteen children, Asante attended the Nashville Christian Institute, completing his high school education in 1960. He pursued higher education at Southwestern Christian College, Oklahoma Christian College, and Pepperdine University, where he earned a master's degree. In 1968, he received his PhD in communication studies from the University of California, Los Angeles. Early in his career, he served as the director of the Center for Afro-American Studies at UCLA. By age 30, he accepted a position as a full professor and department chair at the University at Buffalo.
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Asante transitioned from general communication theory to focus on African-American and African cultural phenomena. In 1980, he released Afrocentricity: The Theory of Social Change, which challenged the marginalization of African history and identity within European-dominated intellectual frameworks. He expanded upon these ideas in subsequent publications, including The Afrocentric Idea, Kemet, Afrocentricity and Knowledge, and An Afrocentric Manifesto. His philosophical approach emphasizes the necessity of psychological location, African subject place, and the defense of cultural elements.
Institutional Influence at Temple University
In 1986, Asante proposed the establishment of a doctoral program in African-American studies at Temple University. Following its approval, the program began in 1988, drawing hundreds of applicants. This program became a primary center for the field, influencing academic departments globally. During his time at Temple, Asante continued his prolific writing and public commentary, appearing on programs such as 60 Minutes and The Today Show to discuss his research and the implications of Afrocentric theory.
Awards and Recognition
Asante has received numerous honors for his scholarly contributions. In 2004, he was inducted into the Black Literary Hall of Fame. His international recognition includes chieftaincy titles in Ghana; he was named Nana Okru Asante Peasah and Kyidomhene of the House of Tafo in 1995. In 2012, he was designated the Wanadoo of Gao in the Songhai region. He is the founding editor of the Journal of Black Studies and currently serves as the president of the Molefi Kete Asante Institute for Afrocentric Studies.
Fast facts
- Born: 1942, Valdosta, Georgia
- Birth name: Arthur Lee Smith Jr.
- Academic home: Temple University
- Field: African-American studies and communication
- Publications: Over 90 books
- PhD: University of California, Los Angeles (1968)
- Hall of Fame: Black Literary Hall of Fame (2004)
- Notable role: Founding editor, Journal of Black Studies
Questions readers ask
What is the core concept of Afrocentricity?
It is a framework that seeks to place African people at the center of their own cultural and historical narratives rather than viewing them as marginal to European history.
Why did he change his name to Molefi Kete Asante?
He chose to legally change his name in 1976 because he considered his birth name, Arthur Lee Smith, to be a slave name.
Achievements
- Held posts at University at Buffalo, University of California, Los Angeles and Temple University
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