The first of what its sponsors hope to make an annual event to promote Africa, AFRICA WEEK 2010, will feature lectures, traditional African festivities and a fashion show, all centered around a theme of “Culture and Democracy: Using Culture as a Tool to Enhance the Growth of Democracy in Africa.”
Members of the African Cultural Exchange in addition to faculty from the Department of African American-Studies previewed what promises to be a week rich in culture and strong in message during its media launch on Feb. 23.
The African Cultural Exchange Club’s emblem of a bird, with the word, “Sankofa,” which means, “going back to our roots to take back our culture,” underscores the week’s goal. Organizers who spoke at the media launch emphasized the importance of being in touch with one’s culture in order to preserve its richness for future generations.
“If we don’t do it now, no one will do it for us,” Kojo Ampah, FCRH ’11, president of the African Cultural Exchange said at the media launch.
The week kicks off on March 20, before most students have returned from spring break, when Fordham hosts a health forum with the goal of bringing the African community of New York City to the Rose Hill Campus to raise awareness of health issues facing the African community.
A church service will take place in honor of the week on Sunday, March 21.
Adama Diop, a United Nations representative, will present the first of the week’s two lectures on March 22, which will focus on Women in Democracy.
New Yorkers will experience a chance to “see what goes down in Africa” on March 23 when Fordham will play host to the Durbar of African Chiefs including Asantehene Chief, Akuapeman chief, Ga Queen Mother, Ugandan chief, Senegalese representatives and others. Clad in traditional African attire, the Durbar chiefs will provide a taste of traditional African culture.
An African movie night will follow on March 24, which the sponsors hope will be attended by some African movie stars.
Anna Kwakyewaah Pollard will deliver the second lecture in the week’s lecture series on March 25 on the subject of African-owned businesses.
African designers will take center stage in the final day of Africa Week on March 26 with a fashion show highlighting African clothing that will also include hip hop music infused with African drumming in a unique African style.
Sponsors of Africa Week 2010 anticipate a busy and exciting week given the significant interest shown by African Cultural Organizations and some African Consulates in New York City.
“Fordham is a place where African culture and history is going to be discussed on a regular basis,” Mark Naison, Ph. D., chair of the department of African and African-American Studies, said.
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