Encountering Africa at the Turn of the 21st- Century: Racial Attitudes of the Chinese in Guangzhou, China

A talk by MIN ZHOU （Professor of Sociology and Asian American Studies）

Even as China is becoming increasingly globalized at the turn of the twenty-first century, international migration into China, much less immigrant resettlement, has remained insignificant on the national landscape. However, major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai and certain smaller cities have witnessed the growing presence of international migrants. In Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province in southern China, there has been a rapid increase of black African residents since 2000--estimated numbers range from around 60,000 to more than 150,000. These newcomers are not the usual lot（e.g., diplomats, students, or professionals working for foreign firms or multinational corporations）, but rather independent merchants and traders doing business with local Chinese merchants and small business owners. Moreover, they do not live in upscale quarters reserved for foreigners but in neighborhoods among local residents.

How are Africans perceived and received by the residents of Guangzhou? What influences positive and/or negative racial attitudes? What is the nature of Chinese-African relations in China and how do they differ from those in America? These questions will guide Professor Zhou's talk.

Monday, March 7
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
10383 Bunche Hall

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