Grace LaTourelle-

Africa Night was held last Friday, on April 26th, 2024, and was led by the Pan-Afrikan Student Organization (PASO). Gusties were able to attend the annual tradition, as well as be part of the festivities.

“Africa Night is an event where PASO members get to share talent and bits of their culture with the Gustavus and wider Saint Peter community,” Senior and PASO DLC Representative, Angel Obiorah said. “It is meant to be a night of pride in one’s background and foster curiosity and a new perspective on the many backgrounds of students on campus, especially those that the media does not shed much (positive) light on.”

Taking place in Alumni Hall every year, Africa Night works to celebrate Pan-African students and faculty as well as educate students on campus via the night’s events. Students and faculty showcased raps, spoken word, singing, and performances with instruments that are native to West Africa.

“A lot of amazing things happened. We had performances from students and faculty that were amazing. There was an original skit written and performed by members of the organization that was pure entertainment. Finally, a fashion show that caught everyone’s attention,” Junior and PASO E-board member, Taona Mhwandagara said.

The night concluded with African cuisine, free for students.

“…the food was delicious consisting of cuisines (Jollof, puff puff, Injera, Tibs, Samosa) from Ghana and Nigeria with great West African influences to food popular in East Africa especially in Ethiopia and Somalia,” Obiorah said.

Among some of the special and fun moments of the night, some people highlighted one of the skits as being especially funny and interesting. Obiorah, who acted in the Secrets of Azar skit, especially denoted its impact.

“…I had to put on my outfit for my coronation as the new Queen, my dress would not go over my head because my Afro hairstyle was so big. Members of the crowd had to come up and help me pull my dress down and fixed up my outfit so I could go on stage,” Obiorah said. “Seeing how people offered help immediately rather than just watch me fail was so heartwarming and created a sense that…they are not just spectators but were involved and interactive with the show we put on for them.”

The showcasing of different African cultures was considered impactful for many people.

“Another lovely moment was watching Dr. Kyoore perform on the Gyile…with his son… [it] was endearing and so authentic to his identity as a Ghanaian man. It really enriched the atmosphere and made me miss home and hearing such familiar sounds and music,” Obiorah said.

PASO members described how Africa Night meaningfully affects them and their organization, through the celebratory festivities.

“Many students of the organization are international students and often feel unheard and unseen on campus because of their background. An event like this makes them feel appreciated by the school, especially when it is well attended,” Mhwandagara said.

The night was important not only for the performers but also for the Gusties who attended. Obiorah illustrated how the event fostered curiosity and positivity surrounding the different cultures and how peers relate to one another.

“People showing up to Africa Night gives us some sense of inclusion, belonging, and excitement as people with different backgrounds are willing to learn the African culture which broadens their knowledge,” Junior and Social Chair for Our Story, Richard Nyakson said.

PASO holds events throughout the year, such as the Black Gala during Black History Month and an event called Our Story, which is a panel to talk about the experiences of the organization’s members. PASO also does community outreach and volunteer work in collaboration with the St. Peter Food Shelf and the CIE.

“People should be more willing to branch out and try new Orgs on campus. Rather than sticking to what you know, learn something new so you have more tools in your arsenal and how to communicate and love those around you no matter how different they are or the lives they have lived up until now,” Obiorah said.

PASO encourages students to attend the annual Africa Night event as well as their future events that introduce students to the organization as well as foster community and connections.

“You get to experience something new and exciting and informative and the biases you may have developed about ‘people from Africa’ changes and evolves,” Obiorah said. “These events help humanize and expand cultural palettes, especially since they are so accessible and personal to the community and neighborhood.

This year’s Africa Night event has left many students with new memories, interests, and understanding of their peers.

“For the individuals that attended either for the first time or not, we hope that they got to experience a small part of what Africa as a continent is like. Our music, languages, food, and culture,” Mhwandagara said.