UD to Host Celebrate Africa!
Apr 11, 2017
DUBUQUE, Iowa – African cultures will be featured at Celebrate Africa! on Monday, April 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Blades Hall on the University of Dubuque campus.
The event is free and open to the public.
Celebrate Africa! will include authentic food, a fashion show with traditional African fashion, exhibits, African dancing, music, an educational presentation about Africa in general, and a panel discussion with panelists from different African countries.
“It’s a chance for our students with African heritage to show off a bit and get recognition for the work they are already doing to raise awareness on our campus,” said Phyllis Garfield, director of international student services and study abroad at UD. “We hope to help the community to learn about the cultural diversity of the African continent and to celebrate the many folks here in Dubuque who are proud of their diverse African cultures.”
University of Dubuque’s International Studies and Multicultural Student Engagement offices partnered with UD African Student Association, the Multicultural Family Center, Clarke University, Divine Word College, and Emmaus Bible College to present Celebrate Africa! The event is financially sponsored, in part, by the Multicultural Family Center.
Mary Gatua, PhD, an assistant professor of social work at Clarke and member of the Multicultural Family Center Board of Directors, has organized the event for three years to reach out to people in the Dubuque community with African heritage. The event outgrew its previous location.
“As a person who is so passionate about community involvement and diversity, I wanted an avenue where people of African descent studying or working in various institutions and organizations here in Dubuque can engage and feel connected with the greater Dubuque community,” Gatua said.
