The University of New Haven’s African student population represents 17 different African countries, with 199 African students enrolled in the university. In order to celebrate these students and their culture, the Office of Graduate and International Student Life (OGISL) in collaboration with the African Graduate Student Association (AGSA) hosted “Taste of Africa,” an event geared at celebrating and sharing African Culture.
The sold-out event, which took two months of preparation and saw 235 tickets claimed, was hosted in the Bucknall Theater, being AGSA’s fifth and final event for International Student Week which had started with the Indian Student Council’s Diwali celebration a week prior. The event was due to start at 6 p.m., however, the lobby was full of participants and attendees almost an hour before. Welcoming attendees in the lobby were members of the OGISL, dressed in traditional African clothing. Many dressed in cultural gowns, socialized and took photos together while waiting for the event to begin. Among these attendees were President Jens Frederiksen and Dean of Students Ophelie Rowe-Allen, taking photos with members of the community and immersing themselves in the culture.
The event was full of events such as trivia, African chants, vocal and dance performances, acting, poetry and more hosted with AGSA members Tomiloba Shokunbi and Oluwatoyin Mary Kakulu as the MCs. The hosts wanted to use this event to emphasize Africa’s resilience despite its history, Shokunbi said “Today we are not talking about that story [Africa’s colonization], We are talking about a new story, a new Africa. Africa, in spite of all the hardships, is still thriving.” Before their arrival, a video was played to show the audience the side of Africa not often seen in pop culture, showing developed cities to disprove the idea that Africa is underdeveloped. 115 students of the 199 African students enrolled at the university are from Nigeria, this event did not center around Nigeria. The event also contained information related to South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and more.
Also present at the event was the Director of the Office of Graduate and International Student Life , Steve Macchiarolo, and his children. Macchiarolo praised the effort students put into the show, and said “I take great pride in watching the hard work, time, and effort that it took to produce these events for our students. It truly takes a team and many hours of planning, rehearsals, and dedication not only by our staff members but by the students as well.” Macchiarolo continued, “The university has really grown in the past 11 years I have been here and to see the growth of our international student body and the programs that we are able to produce in collaboration with our student leaders is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.”
Once the main event in the theater was over following closing remarks from its hosts and AGSA President David Adeyemo, those who had VIP tickets moved over to the Alumni Lounge in Bartels Hall, where a more intimate celebration and dinner was scheduled to be held until 11 p.m. During his closing remarks, Adeyemo ended the event expressing his gratitude for those who made the event possible, and those who attended.
