Michigan State University’s College of Communication Arts & Sciences will honor authentic African culture during its three-day festival as part of MSU’s Year of Global Africa.
The festival will host activities from art and photography to African cuisine and films. The events aim to highlight the outpouring of content – including both art and science – from across the continent, as well as raise awareness of the African presence at MSU.
"Windows to Africa keep opening as I learn about ComArtSci faculty and student projects on the continent," said Geri Zeldes, the event's co-organizer. "I had no idea. I hope attendees of the three-day festival, too, are amazed by the projects and the people who will be featured."
Beginning Thursday, the festival events – which are open to the public – will run from 3 to 9 p.m. on the first floor of the ComArtSci Building, in room 145 and the north lobby. Each day will also include a brief reception catered with traditional African cuisine.
The first day of events will focus on creative arts and will include a poetry performance, photography exhibition, screening of the film “La Pirogue,” alongside a handful of other events.
The second day will focus on changing technologies feature talks from Susan Wyche, James Odede and Jennifer Olson, as well as a film screening of “An Opera of This World” and live A*A with director Manthia Diawara.
The last day of the festival focuses on mobility and creative movement in Africa, and features a talk with Ross Chowles, a South African and ComArtSci professor of practice. Film screenings include “Amandla,” directed by Lee Hirsch and “Frontiers,” directed by Moutafa Djadjam will both be screened.
“If you are curious about the world’s most exciting and dynamic continent, these three days are for you,” said Chowles. “My presentation is about what’s happening, creatively speaking, in South Africa."
“The Year of Global Africa couldn’t get any closer to home [for me]! This event represents a high point in my journey as a journalism student at Michigan State University,” said ComArtSci journalism master's student, Gloria Nzeka. “I’m excited to be joining ComArtSci in celebrating Africa through innovations in Technology, Arts and Storytelling. Also, I look forward to swaying to the sounds African music.”
For more information visit ComArtSci: Year of Global Africa or call (248) 786-9575.