“Back to Africa in the 21st Century” - A public lecture delivered by Dr. Marcia Tate Arunga, an African American scholar in Leadership and Change
Updated on March 27, 2026
At Tom Mboya University, a public lecture held on 25th March, 2026 by African American scholar Dr. Marcia Tate Arunga explored a vital yet often overlooked topic: reconnecting Africans on the continent with those in the diaspora. Drawing from her research and personal experience, Dr. Arunga highlighted how identity, heritage, and culture have been shaped by history — and how reconnecting can restore a sense of belonging.
Her work, including the book The Stolen Ones, delves into the lingering effects of displacement, loss, and cultural disconnection caused by the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. The lecture offered a thoughtful look at the past while pointing to strategies for building stronger connections today.
Why Cultural Reconnection Matters
For many descendants of enslaved Africans, a sense of loss is a daily reality. Dr. Arunga described cultural reconnection not just as a personal journey, but as a historical imperative. Reconnecting with African roots can help reclaim identity, heritage, and cultural continuity — a crucial step for individuals and communities seeking to understand their place in history.
The Legacy of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade
Dr. Arunga reminded the audience that the presence of Africans in the Americas stems from the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, a devastating period that uprooted millions. Its consequences were profound:
Disruption of family structures
Loss of language, traditions, and spiritual practices
Forced adaptation to new and often hostile cultures
This legacy continues to influence identity and culture across generations, making reconnection efforts all the more meaningful.
Women: Keepers of Culture
Interestingly, Dr. Arunga highlighted the matriarchal dimension of reconnection. Women have often led early efforts to reclaim cultural heritage, acting as custodians of traditions and transmitters of identity across generations. Their role is central to preserving and passing on African culture, history, and values.
Experiencing Africa Firsthand
Projects like “Back to Africa” give diaspora participants immersive experiences in Kenya, from bustling Nairobi to transitional Kisumu, and rural Karachuonyo. These journeys allow participants to:
Engage authentically with local communities
Learn cultural practices firsthand
Develop a tangible connection to their roots
Such immersion is transformative, fostering a deeper understanding of heritage and belonging.
Understanding “The Stolen Ones”
The term “The Stolen Ones” captures the immense loss caused by slavery — not just people, but culture, language, and identity. Dr. Arunga stressed the importance of remembering one’s roots through family history, oral traditions, and cultural practices, emphasizing that preserving these connections restores both personal and collective identity.
Lessons for Tom Mboya University
Dr. Arunga’s lecture is highly relevant for Tom Mboya University, offering insights in several areas:
Interdisciplinary Learning – Connecting history, literature, and anthropology enriches academic exploration.
Cultural Awareness – Encouraging students to reflect on heritage and diaspora experiences strengthens identity studies.
Global Linkages – Collaborating with diaspora scholars enhances research and international engagement.
Community Dialogue – Public lectures and cultural events open new avenues for conversation and learning.
Emerging Opportunities
The lecture highlighted gaps and opportunities for the university:
Student Engagement: A need for platforms to sustain discussions on heritage and identity
Interdisciplinary Integration: Academic programs could better integrate perspectives across disciplines
Diaspora Linkages: Greater collaboration with diaspora communities and scholars is possible
Recommendations in Action
To harness these opportunities, the lecture proposed actionable steps:
Cultural Reconnection Club: Encourage student-led discussions, events, and exchanges on African heritage
Interdisciplinary Courses: Develop electives covering African identity, diaspora studies, and cultural memory
Research and Academic Partnerships: Collaborate with international scholars for joint research and exchange programs
Institutionalize Lecture Series: Regular public lectures enrich discourse and position TMU as a cultural and intellectual hub
Moving Forward
Dr. Arunga’s lecture was more than a reflection on history — it was a call to action. For students, faculty, and communities alike, reconnecting with African roots is a way to reclaim identity, foster understanding, and strengthen global linkages. Implementing these recommendations will empower Tom Mboya University to become a leader in cultural awareness, interdisciplinary learning, and diaspora engagement.
Her work, including the book The Stolen Ones, delves into the lingering effects of displacement, loss, and cultural disconnection caused by the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. The lecture offered a thoughtful look at the past while pointing to strategies for building stronger connections today.
Why Cultural Reconnection Matters
For many descendants of enslaved Africans, a sense of loss is a daily reality. Dr. Arunga described cultural reconnection not just as a personal journey, but as a historical imperative. Reconnecting with African roots can help reclaim identity, heritage, and cultural continuity — a crucial step for individuals and communities seeking to understand their place in history.
The Legacy of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade
Dr. Arunga reminded the audience that the presence of Africans in the Americas stems from the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, a devastating period that uprooted millions. Its consequences were profound:
Disruption of family structures
Loss of language, traditions, and spiritual practices
Forced adaptation to new and often hostile cultures
This legacy continues to influence identity and culture across generations, making reconnection efforts all the more meaningful.
Women: Keepers of Culture
Interestingly, Dr. Arunga highlighted the matriarchal dimension of reconnection. Women have often led early efforts to reclaim cultural heritage, acting as custodians of traditions and transmitters of identity across generations. Their role is central to preserving and passing on African culture, history, and values.
Experiencing Africa Firsthand
Projects like “Back to Africa” give diaspora participants immersive experiences in Kenya, from bustling Nairobi to transitional Kisumu, and rural Karachuonyo. These journeys allow participants to:
Engage authentically with local communities
Learn cultural practices firsthand
Develop a tangible connection to their roots
Such immersion is transformative, fostering a deeper understanding of heritage and belonging.
Understanding “The Stolen Ones”
The term “The Stolen Ones” captures the immense loss caused by slavery — not just people, but culture, language, and identity. Dr. Arunga stressed the importance of remembering one’s roots through family history, oral traditions, and cultural practices, emphasizing that preserving these connections restores both personal and collective identity.
Lessons for Tom Mboya University
Dr. Arunga’s lecture is highly relevant for Tom Mboya University, offering insights in several areas:
Interdisciplinary Learning – Connecting history, literature, and anthropology enriches academic exploration.
Cultural Awareness – Encouraging students to reflect on heritage and diaspora experiences strengthens identity studies.
Global Linkages – Collaborating with diaspora scholars enhances research and international engagement.
Community Dialogue – Public lectures and cultural events open new avenues for conversation and learning.
Emerging Opportunities
The lecture highlighted gaps and opportunities for the university:
Student Engagement: A need for platforms to sustain discussions on heritage and identity
Interdisciplinary Integration: Academic programs could better integrate perspectives across disciplines
Diaspora Linkages: Greater collaboration with diaspora communities and scholars is possible
Recommendations in Action
To harness these opportunities, the lecture proposed actionable steps:
Cultural Reconnection Club: Encourage student-led discussions, events, and exchanges on African heritage
Interdisciplinary Courses: Develop electives covering African identity, diaspora studies, and cultural memory
Research and Academic Partnerships: Collaborate with international scholars for joint research and exchange programs
Institutionalize Lecture Series: Regular public lectures enrich discourse and position TMU as a cultural and intellectual hub
Moving Forward
Dr. Arunga’s lecture was more than a reflection on history — it was a call to action. For students, faculty, and communities alike, reconnecting with African roots is a way to reclaim identity, foster understanding, and strengthen global linkages. Implementing these recommendations will empower Tom Mboya University to become a leader in cultural awareness, interdisciplinary learning, and diaspora engagement.
