Dances, speeches highlight African Extravaganza

The audience seemed surprised by the language and dialects the speakers used during Wednesday’s cultural presentation. The words were unfamiliar and new.

Yet there wasn’t anyone among the estimated 200 people at the USU Auditorium on Wednesday that couldn’t relate to the dances, drums and fashion show that accompanied the speeches at the African Extravaganza. And by the end of the show, everyone had a better understanding of African culture and history.

The hallmark event of International Week, presented by the school’s African Subcommittee, featured foreign dignitaries from various African countries.

After an inspiring drum roll by members of the Queens Historical Society, Provost Brian Jersky talked about growing up in South Africa and living there during the apartheid struggle and Nelson Mandela’s release from prison.

He said the school’s celebration “represents hope of mankind” and closed his speech by telling the listeners “Power to the People” in his native language. He then translated the phrase that was commonly shouted by the African National Congress in its fight against the white ruling class.

Maurice Nakitare, Consul General of the Consulate of Kenya Los Angeles, related tales of his home country, while Dr. Michael Ahland, assistant professor of Linguistics, filled in for Berhane Kidane-Mariam of the Ethiopian Consulate Los Angeles, who could not make the event. Ahland shared his experiences of living in Ethiopia through through words and pictures.s.

The celebration was punctuated by a fashion show and dances by students.