Kumasi McFarland is a Masters candidate for the History department at Jackson State University, researching the applicability of nation-state politics to the experiences of Africans in the American south during the 19th century. He received his B.A. in political science and philosophy from Howard University in Washington, D.C. where he spent much time integrating himself into study groups and activist circles. A native of Montgomery, AL, Kumasi has been involved in the development of African-American history projects at numerous institutions, including Jackson State University, Howard University, and Vicksburg National Military Park. Upon graduation, he plans to continue his research in a doctoral program, focusing on philosophy and historical theory.
A native of Thibodaux, Louisiana, Maria Zeringue moved south from Bloomington, Indiana, to serve as MAC’s Folk and Traditional Arts Program Director. She has master’s degrees in French and Folklore from the University of Louisiana Lafayette and Indiana University, respectively, and a bachelor’s degree in French from University of Louisiana Lafayette. Maria previously served as research and curatorial assistant at Traditional Arts Indiana. She also served as an associate instructor of folklore at Indiana University. Maria has published articles in Journal of Folklore Research Reviews and Louisiana Folklore Miscellany.
