If you’re looking for something to do to end a case of cabin fever, Africa Semester has a variety of events to stimulate the mind and break the boredom.
“It will continue throughout the entire semester,” said Carolyn Hodges, head of modern languages and literature. “They want to present a picture of Africa that we don’t usually see. People will see how the culture is represented in the world, the United States and Tennessee.”
The stream of events officially kicks off at the Opening Festival, Feb. 4 at 5 p.m.
“The festival begins with a parade at the Black Cultural Center and will continue on to the University Center Ballroom, where there will be a ceremony with food and performers,” Hodges said.
Throughout the semester, many exhibits and speakers will be brought to campus to further show African culture.
On Jan. 11, an exhibit titled “The World Moves – We Follow: Celebrating African Art” opened at McClung Museum. It features about 100 pieces and will run through May 18.
“This exhibit is beautiful, and people should definitely go see it,” Hodges said.
The second exhibit is now on display at the University Center concourse. “Images of Human Rights Portfolio” is a collection of work from South Africa and will be on campus until July. In February, the collection will move to the Taylor Law Center.
Scholars from around the world will share their knowledge Feb. 6 through Feb. 9. “Cultures in Motion: The African Connection” will be an international conference where the scholars in attendance will present their experiences through their research.
Provost Lauren Crabtree hopes this semester will help to educate the community on the traditions and culture of Africa.
“It is my hope that at the end of the semester, students, faculty, staff and the community will have much greater appreciation of modern Africa,” Crabtree said.
Africa Semester will also be a topic in classrooms. Some professors are requiring their students to attend a couple of the scheduled events and write about them.
More events such as films will be available as the semester moves on, and all of the events are free.
