Throughout the past week, the Africa Alliance has been hosting its first-ever "Africa in April" celebration. Organized by the 10 members of the student-run organization and sponsored by Africana studies and the music department, the week has already featured a number of programs to generate greater awareness and understanding of African culture.
On Tuesday night, the Africa Alliance hosted an African-themed craft fair at which students made earrings and bracelets. Students of "African Art: Masks and Masquerade," a course taught by Post-Doctoral Fellow Olubukola Gbadegesin, spent Wednesday afternoon at a traditional masquerade ceremony performed by a staff member of the Museum of African Culture in Portland. Queen or Mafor Brigitte Ndikum-Nyada then led a West African dance workshop and presentation regarding the culture of Cameroon on Thursday evening in Sargent Gym.
Africa Alliance President Awa Diaw '11 said she was happy with the event's turnout so far.
"We just wanted it to be fun for people to enjoy," she said.
Students will have the opportunity to participate in three more events. This afternoon, East African musical group Jabali Afrika will lead a dance and music workshop at 3 p.m. in Morrell Lounge. The group will also perform tonight in Morrell Lounge at 8 p.m. The week's final event, a multicultural potluck, will take place on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. in Russwurm House. Somalian, Kenyan and Senegalese food will be served.
All events are free and open to the public, though an RSVP is required for the potluck.