Africa in April recognizes Kenya next week

The 18th annual Africa in April festival, sponsored by theGreater Memphis Arts Council, will recognize the culture, fashion,art, music, history and food of the republic of Kenya from April 22to April 25. This week, The U of M's African-American Arts Festivalwill recognize the artistic contributions of black people through aseries of lectures and events. The two festivals are designed topromote cultural awareness among students and Memphisresidents.

"Cultural awareness means exactly what it implies -- encouragingindividuals to develop deeper awareness and understanding of thedifferent cultures that make up American society," said BeverlyBond, chair of The U of M African and African-American Studies. "Wedo not live in a homogenous society, nor are we isolated from therest of the world. We all need to appreciate that difference is nota negative, but a positive aspect of what it means to beAmerican."

Some U of M students say cultural events are essential todeveloping an appreciation of diversity.

"Americans seem to be unconsciously ethnocentric," said DustinDenzin, junior mechanical engineering major. "This prevents themfrom understanding anything different. Having a better worldperspective helps us understand other people and valuediversity."

Cultural awareness benefits students now, as well as in a futurework environment, said Tarus Chatman, senior finance major.

"As a college graduate, you need to diversify yourself becauseyou're going to be experiencing people of other culturalbackgrounds, and you need to be able to relate to them," Chatmansaid.

The 2003 Africa in April celebration, which focused on Morocco,drew more than 100 vendors and about 50,000 visitors to the RobertR. Church Park in downtown Memphis. Blues and jazz singers, Africanstorytellers and dancers will entertain festival attendees thisyear.

In addition to the festival, U of M students can attend variouscampus activities celebrating African influences in the arts.

"The importance of the events we are sponsoring this week, alongwith the other lectures we have sponsored this academic year, is tomake all students, faculty and staff aware of the richness of theAfrican and African-American experiences," Bond said.

These cultural celebrations are also "a time for people ofAfrican descent to reflect on their cultural heritage, backgroundand traditions, as well as for other people to learn," Chatmansaid. "We shouldn't just do it for Africans, but for allraces."