About

About Us

The Mervyn M. Dymally African American Political & Economic Institute (MDAAPEI) at California State University, Dominguez Hills through the development of a rich oral and digital history project, the MDAAPEI explores and documents the professional lives and achievements of African American public-elected officials, business leaders and policymakers. The Institute also examines the impact of their public policy efforts on the political and economic development of African American and other disadvantaged communities. Dr. Anthony A. Samad, Ph.D., is the Executive Director of the Institute. He may be contacted at: (310) 243-2659; (213) 407-9234; or asamad@csudh.edu, Cain Library North, 4th Floor, Suite 4400.

The MDAAPEI provides training programs for current and future leaders, including the Dymally Fellows program, which allows for students of color to travel internationally to expand their worldview and higher education ambitions. The MDAAPEI also supports the African American Leadership Training Program for high school students and entrepreneurial directed training for local businesses. The institute stages and supports cultural events for CSUDH students and the community at large that highlight the Dymally influence on the African Diaspora

Our Core Competence

Our four competencies are:

1. Public Discourse (Distinguished Speakers, Forums and Roundtable dialogues)
2. Cultural Engagement
3. Research
4. Leadership Mentoring

Our Mission

The mission of the Mervyn M. Dymally African American Political & Economic Institute is to build community and institutional memory, through a digital archive, of the history and contributions of African American elected officials, business leaders, and community leaders who have influenced the progress of the State of California and the nation. To lead, foster and influence public policy debates through on-going academic research and public discourse, in dealing with African American political/ economic development issues and impacts in California and elsewhere around the nation; to help develop the next generation of elected officials, civic, and policy leaders. To promote and engage the CSUDH community through cultural experiences that expose the Dymally influence in the African Diaspora.

Our Vision

The vision of the Mervyn M. Dymally African American Political & Economic Institute is to promote successful learning outcomes and student success, in being a nationally-renown academic and thought leader, in the areas of scholarly research, documentation and retention of cultural institutional memory, public policy engagement and academic program study on curriculum and projects focused in African American communities throughout California, nationwide and in the African and Caribbean Diasporas.

Our Targets

Building a sustainable space for the study of African Americans and social and economic public policy. Build and house multiple historical digital archives. Foster policy and cultural discussion.