News Release

December 18, 2001

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Oakton Community College's Erick J. Mann, an associate professor of history and African studies, was awarded the "African Award" at the African Studies Association in Houston. Mann's work, Hands of Blood: African Mercenaries and the Politics of Conflict in German East Africa: 1885-1904, was selected from more than 500 entries to receive the award for the best "pre-published manuscript," about Africa.

"Hands of Blood," released in November by Peter Lang Publishers, is a comprehensive study of the German colonial conquest of Tanzania between 1888 and 1904, highlighting the local perspective of German colonialism as it was experienced by rural Tanzanians. The work examines the history and sociology of the German military in East Africa, and how its organization reflected both German and African needs. Mann views the German military as a rapidly evolving African institution that created new ethnic identities and social classes that still stand today.

Mann, who earned his doctorate degree in history and African studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has taught in both East Berlin and Tanzania. He has been an Oakton faculty member for one year, and works with "Operation Crossroads: Africa," a summer abroad service program started by former President John F. Kennedy.

In December, Mann will participate in a economic seminar in Syria, sponsored by the London-based newspaper, The Financial Times. In attendance will be members of the Syrian government and the international business community. Mann will present a comparison of Middle East and African colonial systems of the early part of the 20th Century, providing attendees with a historical background of economic issues pertaining to the subject.

Media Contact: Gian Galassi (847) 635-1810

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