About the Africana Center
For general questions, email africana@tufts.edu.
Founded in 1969, the Africana Center was developed in recognition of the realities of the needs and concerns of the students of African descent on a predominately white campus. The Center works to enhance the academic mission of the university by ensuring that students of African descent have access to a variety of academic, cultural and student resources that encourages them to have a successful Tufts experience and prepares them to be leaders for a wide range of professional experiences. In addition, the Center works to ensure that students have access to all necessary resources, advises the administrative and academic offices of the university on such issues and advocates proactively for students.
The second and third floors of the Africana Center serve as a living and learning space (Capen House) for twelve undergraduates who reside in the house during the academic year. These students are selected each year to live in the dorm and work as a community to complete individual and group projects which celebrate the rich cultural heritage of people of African descent.
Our Staff
Kella Narki Merlain-Moffatt, MA
Interim Director
Kella is committed to fostering an environment where students feel seen, heard, and welcomed with warmth. As a firm believer in the power of giving back to community, she is committed to not only elevating others, but also equipping them with the skills they need to succeed. Her experiences in higher education institutions, international non-governmental organizations, and the Department of State, have reinforced her position on what it means to serve others and be in community. At Tufts, she is responsible for the development and implementation of community engagement programs that uplift students of African descent and their many intersecting identities. She earned her Master of Arts in International Educational Development from Teachers College, Columbia University and bachelor’s degrees in International Relations and Africana Studies from Tufts University.
Kella is elated to welcome you to the Africana Center; please do stop by!
Email | 617-627-6006
Jefferson Agyapong
Administrative Coordinator
Jefferson Agyapong has joined us as the Africana Center Administrative Coordinator and will be responsible for providing comprehensive administrative support. He will provide detailed and complex administrative support for the major processes in the Africana Center, including carefully monitoring budget accounts, uploading financial data, and executing authorized financial transactions. He will also be responsible for gathering data, conducting research, and drafting reports and other complex documents and materials, including proofreading and editing, and designing layout and graphics for brochures and presentations as needed. Jefferson will plan and coordinate meetings and special events, including contacting speakers, designing promotional materials, and coordinating support for speakers and presenters.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications with a double minor in Journalism and African and African Diaspora Studies from Boston College. Jefferson comes to us with a background in using CRM systems, managing student interns, planning/implementing theme-based programming, and collecting/analyzing data regarding innovative programs and services.
Deborah Royer
Program Administrator
Deborah Royer is the Program Administrator at the Africana Center, where she is responsible for supporting and coordinating key programming and events, including the Peer Leader Program, Black Men’s Group, Black Women’s Collective, and Africana Advisory Alliance. Her role also involves assisting with the administration of training, programming, and assessment initiatives, advancing the Africana Center’s mission of enriching Black cultural awareness, engagement, and history. A Tufts alumna, Deborah graduated with a degree in International Relations and Economics, focusing on the African region. Her professional experience includes working as an Impact Analyst, concentrating on economic justice and sustainable investing. Deborah is also actively involved with organizations like BLCK VC and The Noble Grant, which focus on initiatives supporting the African diaspora.
In addition to her work at the Africana Center, she will be completing the Master of International Business Program at the Fletcher School. Deborah looks forward to serving as a resource for students, organizations, and the broader community, contributing to the Africana Center’s work.
Robert Ofoedu
Facilitator of Black Men's Group
Amma Agyei
Facilitator of Black Women’s Collective
Amma Agyei is a proud Ghanaian American and a Tufts Double Jumbo, earning her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering in 2022 and her Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 2024. A vibrant and multi-faceted leader, Amma is passionate about uplifting the narrative around Black women. Through her dynamic social media presence and the creation of empowering experiences both on and off the Tufts campus, she strives to foster community, visibility, and celebration.
