National Association of African American Studies and Affiliates 2006 National Conference

The National Association of African American Studies and Affiliates[National Association of African American Studies, National Associationof Hispanic and Latino Studies, National Association of Native AmericanStudies and Affiliates, International Association of Asian Studies] held itsannual conference in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on 13-18 February 2006.The conference served as host to over 580 college and university professors,as well as members of professional organizations, from across theUnited States and several foreign countries. In addition to the speakerswho addressed issues related to the African-American, Hispanic/Latino,Asian and Native American experience, there were more than 1,200 otherattendees.A sampling of institutions represented included the University ofTennessee, six institutions from the California State system, HamptonUniversity, Yale University, Quinnipiac University, Howard University,George Mason University, Wesleyan University, University of Kansas, andPurdue University. Additional participants and attendees came from theUnited Arab Emirates University, the Sequoyah Research Center, the Centerfor the Christian-Muslim Engagement for Peace and Justice, Cubanet News,Stewart Associates, Erudite RPC Firm, the Economic Policy Institute, andImani Publications.The 2006 conference also involved the Islamic and Middle EasternStudies Association (IMESA). The participation from IMESA marks the firsttime this organization has held its meeting in conjunction with another organization.There were several outstanding papers presented by IMESA participants.Dr. Pisamai Vogulaar (The Center of Christian-Muslim Engagementfor Peace and Justice) presented a paper entitled “Living as MuslimMinorities: ACase Study of Thai Sunni Muslims in Bangkok and Arab SunniMuslims in Chicago.” The focus of this paper was of interest to many of theconference attendees. Other outstanding presentations included “FethullahGullen and Islam in the Contemporary World” by Dr. Yetkin Yildirin (TheInstitute of Interfaith Dialog), “That Which May Not Be Spoken: HomoeroticDesire in the Writings of Ismat Chugtai and Alifa Rifaat” by Dr. Indrani Mitra(St. Mary’s University), and “Seek What Brings Benefit: A Discussion ofContemporary Issues Involving Maslaha and a Few Theological Premises inIts Favor” by Mary C. Moorman (Yale University) ...