I started teaching sociology at the University of Pennsylvania in 1988. I continue to appreciate the intellectual engagement that this profession affords me. During this time I have traveled to all the corners of the African continent, the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe. Asia still stands in front of me.
In 2002 I became a two-career individual when I became a host for the PBS hit show The History Detectives. If you have ever watched this show, you cannot doubt that I am having fun. I cannot think of any better reward to compliment my academic endeavors. The History Detectives offered me an opportunity to appreciate the relevance of my scholarship to everyday people.
Now, here we are, 2013, and on the last day of the first month of this year, I will premiere my first feature-length documentary on African independence. The seven-year journey that culminated in the production of this film is important for me as an individual but equally important for what I would like to offer as a challenge to documentary filmmakers and intellectuals at the same time. The venue for the screening of this first film project will be the San Diego Black Film Festival. I could tell you a lot about the film, but for now just check out this trailer I made.