Program Overview

Building on VCDEI Anju Reejhsinghani’s academic and professional expertise in global and diasporic history, ODEI is proud to announce the creation of a new, historically based asynchronous educational program for UC Santa Cruz faculty and staff. Entitled “Histories in Progress,” it explores the diverse stories and cultures of the many communities that make up our state.

Bringing together nationally renowned experts in their field who share their work in accessible ways, Histories in Progress explores larger themes such as expansion and displacement, enslavement and emancipation, patterns of migration and family formation, and ongoing efforts to achieve equal rights.

Through an interactive online course format featuring instructor-led videos, podcasts, curated readings, and media excerpts, users will have the chance to learn at their own speed and to review specific content as needed.

ODEI hopes that our inaugural courses are the first of many to help you understand the Histories in Progress of millions of people who make our state richer and more diverse. We also value your feedback. After completing each module, you’ll have the chance to share your thoughts and to provide suggestions for future content. We’re excited to have you join us!

Inaugural Offerings

Launching in Spring 2025:

• Histories and Ideologies of Antisemitism, featuring Dr. Lauren Bairnsfather
• ABC (African, Black, and Caribbean Histories), featuring Dr. Michele Reid-Vazquez
  • Part 1: Black Californians from the Gold Rush to the Present Day
  • Part 2: Post-1965 Sub-Saharan and East African Migration and Diasporas
  • Part 3: Anglophone/Francophone Caribbean and Afro-Latinx communities

Our thanks to the University of California Office of the President for funding to develop our initial courses; the UC Santa Cruz Teaching & Learning Center (TLC) for video production, editing, and post-production and Canvas website assistance, and to The Music Doer for podcast production and editing.