Africa Fest was the first all-program event put on by the African Studies Program, but the vibrant cultures, languages, and traditions on display were nothing new to those running the event. Many of the Faculty and students who manned tables at Africa Fest are either from various African countries or actively practice traditions rooted in the continent.
Held in the Hamilton Lugar School atrium, the event transformed the space with colorful displays, cultural artifacts, and flags representing African nations. Professors and student organizations affiliated with the African Studies Program ran tables representing different regions of Africa, each offering a unique, hands-on look into daily life, customs, and heritage.
Q&A with Matthew Ajibade.
Attendees could explore traditional musical instruments, try on cultural headpieces, and sample foods from across the continent, including dates, jerky, and spiced teas. Many tables also offered language-learning opportunities, with guests encouraged to try basic greetings and phrases in some of Africa’s more than 2,000 languages.
Interactive activities invited visitors to engage more deeply with African traditions through crafts, demonstrations, and other cultural practices designed to promote understanding and appreciation.
Sights and Sounds of Africa Fest.
Africa Fest provided a space for cultural exchange, especially meaningful within a predominantly white campus community. As of the fall of 2023, over 65% of IU Bloomington’s undergraduate students identify as white, and only 4.2% identify as African American.
By showcasing the richness and diversity of Africa, the event aimed to broaden perspectives and celebrate identities that are often underrepresented.
Organizers hope Africa Fest becomes an annual tradition, continuing to build appreciation and awareness of African cultures across the IU community.
