The public is invited to learn more about African people, culture, contributions and landscape during Africa Teach-In Week at St. Bonaventure University.
Throughout the fall semester, SBU freshmen have been immersed in “Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Genocide,” the 2008 All Bonaventure Reads (ABR) selection for the freshman class. There have been class discussions, presentations and a film festival dealing with the serious and global themes of genocide, civil war and marginalization of individuals and groups.
The university’s First-Year Experience program is partnering with the Diversity Action Committee, Damietta Center and Honors Program to extend the conversation through the teach-in, which will feature campus lectures, demonstrations and art center exhibitions beginning Nov. 2.
Sunday, Nov. 2
- 1 p.m. — ALCS Interact Club, “Educating and Inspiring Others About Africa,” Thomas Merton Center
Monday, Nov. 3
- 10 a.m. — Tours of “African Odyssey” exhibition at The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts
- 12:30-2:30 p.m. — Dr. Mary Adekson, “Growing up in Western Nigeria,” William F. Walsh Science Center amphitheater
- 2 p.m. — Tours of “African Odyssey” exhibition at The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts
- 7 p.m. — Keynote address by Dr. Ndura-Ouedraogo of George Mason University, “Living and Schooling in Burundi: A Hutu Woman’s Journey and Hope for Peace,” Robert R. Jones Board of Trustees Room, Doyle Hall
Tuesday, Nov. 4
- 10 a.m. — Tours of “African Odyssey” exhibition at The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts
- 2 p.m. — Tours of “African Odyssey” exhibition at The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts
- 2-3:30 p.m. — Demonstration of Fou Fou by Dr. Mary Adekson and 10-15 students, University Club (located above Hickey Dining Hall)
- 7 p.m. — Br. F. Edward Coughlin, O.F.M., “Crossing Boundaries: St. Francis, the Sultan and Us,” Thomas Merton Center
Wednesday, Nov. 5
- 2:30 p.m. — Robin Valeri, “Psychological Roots of Hate and Prejudice,” De la Roche Room 306
- 4:30-7:30 p.m. — Andrew Mancuso, “Interactive Presentation: Making a Moroccan Stew,” Thomas Merton Center
- 4:30 p.m. — Dinner at the Hickey Dining Hall, a cultural feast and presentation; the cost is $9.50 for those not on a university meal plan
Thursday, Nov. 6
- 2:30 p.m. —Della Moore, “My Trip to Africa,” Thomas Merton Center
- 6-8 p.m. — Pauline Hoffman, “Embrace It Africa: A cultural and entrepreneurial look at life in Southern Uganda,” William F. Walsh Science Center amphitheater
Friday, Nov. 14
- 12-1:30 p.m. — Anne-Claire Fisher, “All Bonaventure Views Follow-up Discussion: Genocide in Rwanda and the Western Nation,” Thomas Merton Center
Later in November, the university will host “Left to Tell” author Immaculee Ilibagiza on campus for a keynote address and book signing. The Nov. 20 program begins at 7 p.m. in the Reilly Center Arena. ABR is also planning a fundraising activity in hopes of making a contribution to Ilibagiza’s foundation, an orphanage in Rwanda.
*The Hickey Dining Hall will be featuring African cultural music from past and present times for the duration of the Africa Teach-in Week.