Kumasi Vines graduated from Northwestern in 2000, studying African-American Studies and economics. From government administration, to K-12 education, to founding his own construction firm, Vines has accomplished much since his time at Northwestern.
What inspired you to pursue a major or minor in the Department of African American Studies (AFAM)?
I majored in both economics and African American studies. Majoring in economics was more of a practical decision, as I was interested in pursuing a career in general business at the time. I chose to major in AFAM Studies because it allowed me to explore my personal history and passions through sociology, history, literature, and cultural studies. It was as much a personal choice as it was an academic decision.
How did your studies in the AFAM department impact you personally or professionally?
AFAM provided me the intellectual resources to contextualize my study of economics and fulfill my desire to understand more about my community’s remarkable journey. In the classroom, I was inspired by the talented and renowned faculty’s lectures and writings. The sheer depth of culture and history they bestowed upon me was, at times, overwhelming. But, the experience was more than worth it. I took classes ranging from dissecting the writings of Toni Morrison and Zora Neal Hurston to studying the origins of the modern African American Church to understanding African Americans in the context of American economics… It was amazing. African American history IS American history!
On campus, what I learned in AFAM enhanced my extra-curricular activities. Understanding the emotion in August Wilson’s plays enhanced my performances in the African-American Theatre Ensemble. Knowing about leaders such Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and W.E.B Dubois made the connection to my becoming a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Inc. even deeper. Understanding the strategies of the Civil Rights Movement furthered my leadership and coalition-building as a member of For Members Only.
In my life, AFAM provided me a more nuanced lens through which to view the world. This includes increased understanding of socio-political matters, empathy towards my community and others, and the resolve to just do better.
Is there a specific course, event, or memory associated with the AFAM department that sticks out to you from your time at Northwestern?
The Ritual. At the beginning of every school year, to welcome NU’s new African American students to campus and to convene returning students, we’d perform “The Ritual.” It included several community-building activities and performances, including the recreation of the May 3rd, 1968 sit-in known as the “Bursar’s Office Takeover.” This protest against racism on campus, and subsequent demands for change, led to the creation of AFAM. It was fun, cool, and humbling to participate in celebrating and creating history with my friends.
What are you working on right now that excites you the most OR are there any accomplishments you would like to share?
I’m currently an administrator in public education in Baltimore City. My role is to ensure that graduates of City Schools are better prepared for successful careers – whether that’s going directly into the workforce or a 2- or 4-year college, through early career exposure and awareness, work-based learning experiences, and academic and technical instruction. As a native and current resident of inner-city Baltimore, this is deeply personal mission for me.
Additionally, I own a small and growing construction management/services company, Able Construction Company dba “Vines Engineering.” We work primarily in the utility sector but are expanding to meet market demand. It’s been an exciting journey and I’m looking forward to what the future holds.
What’s a fun fact that you want to share with the Northwestern community?
My fellow African American Theatre Ensemble actors and I once performed in a play for 3-hours straight, without intermission. Unfortunately, the play was supposed to only be 90 minutes long. Fortunately, it was still a hit! The cast and crew included at least one person who would go on to be a Hollywood star.
How do you enjoy spending your free time?
I spend my time enjoying the arts. At any moment you can find me singing my favorite R&B or soul song (off-key, but adorable), dancing to Latin or Caribbean music (I was much more limber during my NU days) or drawing and coloring with my 2-year-old daughter, Lola (she’s a much better artist than I am).