FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2022
Washington, DC – The Africa Faith and Justice Network, a Catholic 501(c)3 organization, has named Dr. Steven Nabieu Rogers as its new Executive Director. With Catholic missionary congregations and numerous Africa-focused coalitions of all persuasions, AFJN works to advocate for just relations with Africa and in partnership with African people as they engage in the struggle for justice, peace, and the integrity of creation.
“I am pleased to announce that Dr. Steven Nabieu Rogers has accepted AFJN’s Executive Director position” said Sr. Florence Deacon, OSF, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Dr. Rogers comes highly recommended and has a breadth of knowledge and experiences that will serve him well in his new leadership role. I believe his grasp of the realities of what is happening in Africa and his vision will set AFJN up for a solid future.”
Dr. Rogers earned his Doctorate of Philosophy in Urban Planning and Public Policy from the University of Texas at Arlington (Arlington, TX) and a Masters in Social and Public Policy from Duquesne University (Pittsburgh, PA). Prior to joining AFJN, he was a faculty member and Old Mutual Research Fellow at the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business (Cape Town, South Africa). Dr. Rogers has published articles on globalization, urbanization and housing in Africa and believes that Africa’s needs are best served by an African-led intellectualism emanating from the lived experiences of Africans.
“It was important that the Board hire someone who understands the complexities of the cultural, historical, and socio-political dimensions of US-Africa relations,” said Rev. Barthelemy Bazemo M.Afr, Chair of the Search Committee. “His background as a seasoned researcher, a committed Catholic, and an academic with many years of experience in the US and Africa will prove crucial in speaking with confidence to the United States lawmakers on behalf of Africa on the relevant issues that significantly impact the lives of its peoples.”
As a scholar, Dr. Rogers will be able to use his skills to advance the body of knowledge about US-Africa policies and work with the executive and legislative branches of the US government to advance initiatives that promote social justice.
“I have followed the work of the Africa Faith and Justice Network for many years and have been impressed with what has been accomplished. I hope that together, we will continue to expand our outreach in the decision-making arenas, as well as in the African diaspora, as we continue to vigorously advocate for just US-Africa policies that are mainly informed by Africa’s realities” said Dr. Rogers.
Read Dr. Rogers’ biography.
AFJN’s Board of Directors and staff would also like to thank Sr. Maura Browne, SNDdeN, who served as Interim Executive Director, and Sr. Florence Deacon, OSF, who assisted during this period of transition.
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The Africa Faith and Justice Network is a faith-based, non-partisan coalition of 28 US-based religious communities of men and women. Inspired by the Gospel and informed by Catholic Social Teaching, AFJN seeks to educate and advocate for just relations with Africa and to work in partnership with African people as they engage in the struggle for justice, peace, and the integrity of creation.
www.afjn.org
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Available for Interview:
Steven Nabieu Rogers, PhD, Executive Director
Sr. Florence Deacon, OSF, Board Chair
Rev. Barthelemy Bazemo, MAfr, Search Committee Chair
For media interviews contact:
Lydia Andrews, Communications Manager
lydia@afjn.org | 202-817-3670