A message from the editor.

• Author: Kline, Gary
• Position: Highlights of 34th Annual Conference of Association of Third World Studies, Inc. - Editorial

This issue of our journal marks a milestone, which is why I feel a need to address our readers and association members. For us, 2016 has been a time of reflection and change and expectancy. To some extent, our track may be said to mirror the general sense of uncertainty and anticipation with which many today look upon the future. The challenges that we humans face globally seem both daunting and full of opportunity. The headlines generally emphasize the events that inspire fear, sorrow, and revulsion. In such a climate, when people are hard-pressed, they often manifest the most awful and most sublime aspects of our species. However, challenges and change inspire innovations and adaptations that can lead us on a fresh path to a better world. More than ever, perhaps, our association and our journal are needed to help shine a light upon the path ahead. I will return to this point later.

First, let me note that the Association of Third World Studies, Inc. held its 34th Annual Conference from November 20-22, 2016 and officially emerged as the Association of Global South Studies (AGSS). By any measure, our meeting at Indiana University Southeast (IUS) in New Albany, Indiana (on the beautiful Ohio River and across from Louisville, Kentucky) was an unqualified success. For that, we can thank the many good hosts of IUS who made us feel so welcome. Foremost, we should thank the conference organizer, Dr. Doyin Coker-Kolo, Dean of the School of Education. Her months of hard work truly culminated in an inspiring event, with stimulating panels and intellectually rich discussions.

Participants from sixteen different countries attended the conference, which commenced with a warm welcome reception with entertainment provided by the renowned jazz musician Jamey Aebesold and his incredible band. The Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at IUS, Dr. Uric Dufrene, gave a heartfelt greeting to the attendees and Dr. Michael Hall of Armstrong State University provided a brief overview of the history of our association. The food was excellent, the desserts were sinful, and everyone enjoyed an evening of great fellowship.

As Dr. Coker-Kolo will admit, however, her success would have been impossible but for the support and assistance of numerous others at her institution of higher learning. She was assisted by many of her colleagues in the School of Education, as well as folks in the Center for Cultural Resources, in Marketing and Communications, in the...