Clarke University To Host “Celebrate Africa and the Diaspora” Event April 26

Clarke University is hosting the “Celebrate Africa and the Diaspora” event on April 26 from 5 – 8 p.m. in the R. C. & Celeste Wahlert Atrium. The event is free and open to the public; pre-registration is not required.

The event is in its fifth year and its purpose continues to be the celebration of African cultures in the Diaspora. The African Diaspora was the dispersal of African peoples to Asia, Europe, and the Americas during the Transatlantic Slave Trades.

Clarke is proud to welcome all to campus to celebrate African cultural heritage and learn how the culture has spread, and continues to thrive, in many communities around the world. Attendees will enjoy exhibits, a fashion show, cultural information tables, and African dance, drumming,  games, and  African food.

The event is sponsored and organized in partnership with Clarke University, the University of Dubuque, Loras College, and the Multicultural Family Center.

Mary Gitau, Ph.D.,  Clarke University assistant professor of Social Work and member of the Multicultural Family Center (MFC) Board of Directors, created this event in 2014. The goal of hosting such an event is to provide an opportunity for people in the Dubuque community to learn and celebrate the African diversity present in Dubuque.

Gitau said, “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.”

Questions about the event can be directed to the Multicultural Family Center at (563)582-3681.