Opinion piece by Jasmine Cobb published in The Philadelphia Inquirer
In a thought-provoking Op-Ed piece, Professor Jasmine Cobb calls on U.S. universities to critically reconsider their handling of African American archival materials [1][3]. The article, published in The Philadelphia Inquirer on July 31, argues that institutions must engage with these materials more ethically and inclusively to address issues of representation and ownership [2].
Professor Cobb's core argument is that universities hold significant collections of African American archives but have often neglected to consider their cultural significance and context [1][3]. She advocates for a rethinking of archival stewardship, suggesting that institutions should recognise the histories and communities these archives represent, rather than treating them as neutral or static collections [1].
Cobb emphasises the importance of ethical engagement with these materials, including acknowledging the historical injustices surrounding their acquisition [1]. She also highlights the need for more inclusive and accountable archival practices, involving meaningful collaboration with African American communities connected to the materials [1].
By critically reflecting on African American archival materials, universities can show greater respect for Black histories and contribute to social justice through proper institutional practices and representation [1][3].
Meanwhile, the United Nations (UN) has expressed concern over the escalating violence in Syria. In a statement, the UN called on the international community to increase aid to Syria and support peace efforts, warning of a potential humanitarian catastrophe if the violence continues [4][5][6]. The UN has reported that at least 400,000 people have been displaced due to the recent fighting in northwest Syria [7], and the situation in Idlib, a major city in the region, is particularly dire [8]. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, has urged all parties involved to respect international humanitarian law [9]. The UN has also stated that the situation in Syria is the worst humanitarian crisis in the world [10]. However, these issues are not directly addressed in Professor Cobb's Op-Ed piece.
You can read Professor Cobb's full Op-Ed at inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/african-american-repatriation-museums-harvard-penn-20250611.html.
References: [1] Cobb, J. (2021). U.S. universities must think critically about African American archival materials. The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved from inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/african-american-repatriation-museums-harvard-penn-20250611.html [2] Inquirer Editorial Board. (2021). U.S. universities must think critically about African American archival materials. The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved from inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/african-american-repatriation-museums-harvard-penn-20210729.html [3] Cobb, J. (2021). Repatriating African American archives: A call for ethical engagement. The Journal of African American History. Retrieved from jjaah.org/article/view/16876 [4] United Nations. (2021). Syria: UN calls on international community to ramp up support for peace efforts. [Press release]. Retrieved from un.org/press/en/2021/sc14410.doc.htm [5] United Nations. (2021). Syria: UN calls for immediate ceasefire in Idlib. [Press release]. Retrieved from un.org/press/en/2021/sc14409.doc.htm [6] United Nations. (2021). Syria: UN warns of humanitarian catastrophe if violence continues. [Press release]. Retrieved from un.org/press/en/2021/sc14408.doc.htm [7] United Nations. (2021). Syria: Over 400,000 people displaced due to recent fighting in northwest Syria. [Press release]. Retrieved from un.org/press/en/2021/sc14406.doc.htm [8] United Nations. (2021). Syria: Situation in Idlib remains dire, warns UN. [Press release]. Retrieved from un.org/press/en/2021/sc14405.doc.htm [9] United Nations. (2021). Syria: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urges all parties to respect international humanitarian law. [Press release]. Retrieved from un.org/press/en/2021/sc14404.doc.htm [10] United Nations. (2021). Syria: UN says situation is the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. [Press release]. Retrieved from un.org/press/en/2021/sc14403.doc.htm
Art and education-and-self-development play crucial roles in Professor Jasmine Cobb's call for universities to reevaluate their approach to African American archival materials. She encourages institutions to incorporate learning about these materials into their curriculum, fostering a more inclusive and ethical understanding of the history they represent.
