Date

1-14-2026

Department

School of Communication and the Arts

Degree

Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design (MFA)

Chair

Barron Bell

Keywords

Africa’s global influence, African diaspora, African cultural heritage, Afrocentric design, decolonized education, African contributions to world history, African influence on global culture, African art and symbolism, traditional African patterns, African textiles symbolism, African folklore and oral traditions, pre-colonial African civilizations, African innovations and inventions, African philosophy, African music influence, African influence on jazz blues hip-hop, African foodways and global cuisine, African architecture history, African trade routes, cultural storytelling for children, children’s educational coloring book, interactive coloring book design, visual learning for children, play-based learning, culturally responsive pedagogy, inclusive children’s media, representation in children’s literature, educational illustration, narrative illustration, hand-drawn illustration style, character-driven storytelling, experience design for learning, human-centered design, design for social impact, creative practice research, practice-based design research, MFA graphic design thesis, visual communication, semiotics in illustration, color theory in children’s media.

Disciplines

Fine Arts

Abstract

This thesis believes in the design and production of an interactive kids' coloring book on Africa's extensive influence on world cultures, history, economies, and artistic heritage. In a bid to reverse centuries of misrepresentation and large-scale miseducation regarding Africa within early childhood textbooks, this work aims to design an interactive, kid-friendly guide that informs young readers about the central role Africa plays in today's world. Informed by thorough literature review and referencing case studies of successful education and culture intervention, the proposal positions Africa's global reach, spanning from its precolonial trading networks, philosophic structures, diaspora contributions, art heritage, and cultural exchange. Grounded in participatory research methodologies and African culture-centered image narratives, the project will result in a robustly illustrated coloring book that will be capable of being utilized in promoting cultural literacy, inclusiveness, and awe. In addition to plugging educational gaps, the proposed deliverables further aspire to assist teachers, careers, and institutions in providing complex cultural information in simple, creative terms. This thesis is part of other efforts to decolonize education and reframe how Africa is represented to the youth in African as well as global contexts.

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