The event “solemn Africa” ​​shows North African and Arabicism at the University of Illinois

Urbana – The participants of the “Celebrating Africa” ​​event on April 25 were transported to Africa with Zimbabwein Music, Dances and Authentic Courts such as Senegaler Jollof, Egyptian Koshari, Ethiopian Injera, Moroccan coin and South African specialties. Each plate told a story of migration and common history.

This event for the first time that it promotes unity on the African continent. In honor of the Arab American cultural heritage month, North Africa and the Arabic community were at the center of the celebration, said Paapa Nkrumah-ABABIO, an U of I-graduate from Ghana and co-organizer of the event.

It was intended to give other regions and cultures of Africa the same ramps instead of concentrating exclusively on West Africa.

When the music of Dan Kusaya and the band Chimurenga filled the room on Friday evening, Nkrumah-Ababio pointed out: “This is southern African music, but I see the northern Africans dancing and celebrating. Today we see a microcosm as it looks when they all expose, even within Africa, because Africa has 35 countries.”

The event promoted the feeling of belonging for North Africans, who often feel excluded between cultures of the Middle East and African and both, according to Nasreen Ouzidane, a U -Freshman who is Algerian.

“To be honest, we feel like the Ods,” said Ouzidane. “So this event is so helpful when it comes to bringing all of Africa together and with people who are not necessarily similar to us, but come from the same continent to have the feeling, and we are basically just a family in the same.”

The celebration showed catering from Chicago with dishes that represent different parts of Africa. Appearance by Dan Kusaya and the band The Chimurenga introduced the audience in Zimbabwischen melodies and dance.

A fashion show during the event showed more than 20 students and faculty members of the African heritage and showed cultural dresses from countries such as Egypt and Algeria.

“It is a great opportunity for North African countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt to celebrate their Arabic identity, but also to celebrate their North African identity, be it in fashion, food and music,” said Moe Alsalman, a U -Of student from Saudi Arabia.

According to the organizers, the event electoral participation was greater than expected, and they are planning to organize a similar event next year, but they will depend on what happens to the federal financing cuts, according to Nashma Carrera Massari, coordinator for student programs at the U of I and co-organizers of the event.

“We want to do this event next year,” said Carrera Massari. “But we don't know with the budget cuts whether we can afford it.”

Students like Alsalman hope to see more events that promote the Middle East and North Africans, or Mena, visibility and more cultural minorities.

“Having fashion show and then having these events in which people can celebrate together, in music, be it, be it to express themselves, to express their culture and share them together – this is invaluable and we have to have more on the campus,” said Alsalman.