April 10, 2012

Cultural presentation highlights Africa Week

by Andrea Hahn

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Nigerian musicians Femi Blackup and SLV, and a Rwandese dance group from Chicago are part of “The African Dream” cultural presentation that highlights this year’s Africa Week at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Margaretmary Emefiele, president of the African Student Council, said the group expects approximately 500 people to attend The African Dream cultural and fashion event, including other African student organizations from other campuses.  The event presents African culture and fashions via a dream skit that includes fashion segments and presentations of traditional Rwandese dance and Nigerian music.

Here is a schedule of events for Africa Week on the SIU Carbondale campus:

April 16

• “The African Dream” Opening Ceremony and proclamation.  This will take place in the Student Center, but the time is meant to be a surprise.  Those interested in catching it should visit the Student Center during high traffic times during the day.

• Documentary film: “God Grew Tired of Us,” a film about the Lost Boys of Sudan, 5:30 p.m. in the John C. Guyon Auditorium in Morris Library.

April 17

• Clothing drive, 4-6 p.m. in the Lower Level Grinnell Hall.  This drive is meant primarily to benefit Harrisburg tornado victims.

• Forum, Bridging the Gap Between Africans and African Americans, following the clothing drive.

April 18

• African Food Fair, 3:30-6 p.m., Student Center Renaissance Room.  This fair features food from many regions of Africa as student groups share an essential part of culture with the community.  Food tickets, which are 50 cents each, are available at the Student Center Ticket Office.

April 20

• “The African Dream” cultural show, 7-10 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m., Student Center Ballrooms.

April 21

• Closing ceremony and annual barbeque, 1-5 p.m., Rinella Field.