Kafi D. Kumasi is a Professor at the School of Information Sciences (SIS) at Wayne State University. Her research focuses on Critical Race Theory , equity in education , and culturally sustained learning to prepare LIS professionals for diverse urban environments. She received her B.S. in Education from the University of Michigan (1998), MLIS from Wayne State University (2003), and Ph.D. in Curriculum Studies from Indiana University (2008). Kumasi’s work explores the intersections of race, power, and privilege in LIS education and practice. Recent publications analyze critical information behavior , decolonizing library systems , and cultural competence frameworks , often incorporating Hip Hop pedagogy and African philosophies like Ubuntu. Her scholarship has been funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services for the "Project RUSL-Restoring Urban School Libraries" initiative. Scientific awards include the Exemplary Diversity Scholar Citation from the National Center for Institutional Diversity (2013) and recognition by the Young Adult Library Services Association (2018). At SIS, she serves as faculty advisor for the Future Librarians for Inclusivity and Diversity (FLID) organization and has developed influential courses on decolonizing information . Kumasi actively promotes DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) through national workshops and leadership roles.











