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The Farinon Center Atrium will host an African Market 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday and a fashion show at 8 p.m. Saturday. The free events are part of Lafayette’s celebration of Black History Month.
One of the main attractions of Black History Month, the African Market will feature music, food, vendors, and activities celebrating the customs and traditions within the African Diaspora.
“Each year many people anticipate the creative and educational atmosphere of the market,” notes the Office of Intercultural Development. “Its purpose is to demonstrate the shared heritage of the African, African American, and Caribbean communities in the Diaspora and to show how this heritage is an integral part of the culture of this College.
“We provide this forum where Black entrepreneurs can exhibit and sell their goods and services in honor of the fourth principle of Kwanzaa: Ujamaa (cooperative economics), thus supporting the economic growth and development of our community.
“The market’s attendance has grown each year. We encourage everyone to participate and support the festival. This celebration exposes the community to the depth and richness of African culture and continually enhances the quality of multicultural life at Lafayette College.”
For more information, contact neuroscience major Jhenelle Andrade ’06 (Bronx, N.Y.) student coordinator in the Office of Intercultural Development, or Jadrien Ellison ’02, intercultural development coordinator, at x5819.
Campus groups have collaborated to sponsor the fashion show, “Picturing Us through Music.” A free after-party will be held in the snack bar immediately following the show.
The fashion show’s historical journey will illustrate many significant eras and genres of Black music: traditional, swing, jazz, doo wop, soul, disco, funk, hip-hop, and neo-soul. Each scene will recreate various atmospheres and venues where Black musical talent has been and continues to be showcased.
Event sponsors include the Africana studies program, art department, Association of Black Collegians, Brothers of Lafayette, Nia, International Students Association, Lafayette Intercultural Networking Council, Hispanic Society of Lafayette, and the offices of intercultural development, recreation services, and residence life.
For more information, contact the Office of Intercultural Development at x5819.