Africa, A Place of Promise
Last semester, Terry had the pleasure of hosting two notable African speakers at the Terry Global Speaker Series. We kicked off the term with K’Naan who shared his passion for music and his views on Africa, sharing with us some of the more beautiful and unique aspects of his continent that he witnessed last year while performing his World Cup theme song ‘Wavin’ Flag’ across Africa and the world. In November, noted economist Dambisa Moyo elaborated on K’Naan’s sentiment that Africa need not be saved by elaborating on the thesis presented in her book ‘Dead Aid: Why aid is not working and how there is a better way for Africa’. Both speakers brought some lively debates to our campus, and now that the dialogue has begun I’m sure you’re wondering how we’re going to keep it going in 2011.
Luckily, the Africa Awareness Initiative will be kicking off the term with their annual Africa Awareness Week from January 13-17th. The AAI conference week has been a favorite UBC event of mine the last few years, and the 2011 conference looks like the best yet! Africa: A Place of Promise’ is indeed a fitting theme as our University works towards our own Place and Promise and students have shown an interest in understanding Africa for all it offers the world. The incredible lineup of speakers and social events not only gives students the opportunity to learn more about African topical issues, but to exchange ideas and information with their fellow students.
Events are held throughout the week, are free, and offer a little bit of everything for everyone. I highly suggest looking through the schedule below and bringing a few friends to an event that interests you and don’t forget to hit the social on Friday night. I’ll be blogging during the conference and I hope to see all the Terrys there!
For more information on the Africa Awareness Initiative and the Conference Week, please visit: http://www.africaawareness.ca/index.html
MONDAY, JAN. 17:
Opening Night: It’s Time for AFRICA! A look at the future of the African Studies Program with a touch of cultural excitement.
Venue: First Nations House of Learning Time: 6:00 – 7:30pm
TUESDAY, JAN 18:
Research On Africa A representation and discussion by current UBC students and faculty surrounding Africa.
Venue: Global Lounge Time: 12:00 – 1:30pm
Speakers:
1. Moustapha Fall on African Languages with a focus on Senegal
2. Chilenye Nwapi on International Law with an emphasis on Nigeria
3. Dr. Judy Mclean on Food and Nutrition Security in Rwanda
Jabulile! – A Monologue Using storytelling, to showcase resilience and strength of African Women.
Venue: Marine Drive Ballroom Time: 6:30 – 8:00pm
Performer: Kemiyondo Coutinho
An accomplished young storyteller gives life to the struggles and secrets of four market vendors from Swaziland. Transforming herself into a dozen different characters, Kemiyondo Coutinho finds the humour and resiliency in these women who seek a way past loss and brutality to the future.
WEDNESDAY, JAN 19:
Africa And International Human Rights A perspective and discussion on international human rights and its impact on Africa.
Speaker: Dr. Michael Byers, a UBC Political Science professor, will share his perspective on the topic of International Human Rights and African leadership.
Venue: Liu Institute Time: 5:00 – 6:30pm
THURSDAY, JAN 20:
Africa And Global Leadership Highlighting Africa’s promise to produce strong and competent global leadership.
Venue: The Liu Institute
Time: 12:00 – 1:30pm
Keynote Speaker: Mrs. Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi
Mrs. Fraser-Moleketi is the director for the Democratic Group in the Bureau for Development Policy in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and has formerly taken various positions in the South African government including the Minister for Welfare and Population Development and the Minister of Public Service and Administration.
Artistic Night: For the Love of Africa
An open mic night dedicated to celebrating Africa through slam poetry and other performances.
Venue: Koerner’s Pub Time: From 7:30pm onwards
FRIDAY, JAN 21:
SIKILIZA: A toast to Mama Africa An Afro-fusion night with performances, entertainment and a DJ celebrating the end of a successful Conference Week.
Venue: Abdul Ladha Centre Time: 7:30pm onwards
Price: Non-members $10, regular members $7, premium members $5
