Next week, the Gustavus Pan-Afrikan Student Organization, or PASO, will kick off its annual Africa Week — a series of unique, innovative events and activities that aims to celebrate African culture and heritage.
This year, PASO has scheduled a number of exciting events on campus that center on the theme “Represent Your Roots: Celebrating Pan-Africanism.”
“Africa Week is a week when PASO hosts several small events around campus to promote African Night,” explained PASO Co-chair PhePhe Quevi.
“Each of these events offer something for everyone, so no matter your interests you will be able to participate in Africa Week.”
The organization, which plans and sponsors an Africa Week each year, strives to use this celebration as a means of sharing African culture with people on campus, according to PASO Co-chair Faith Emovon David.
“PASO is a Gustavus student-led organization that is dedicated to embracing and celebrating African culture by using events as an outlet to educate the community,” explained Emovon David.
“One thing that is unique about PASO is that it encompasses ALL people from African descent and welcomes other people from various backgrounds as well.”
Fellow Co-chair Daaja Hobson echoed the sentiment, explaining that Africa Week not only allows PASO to spread the word about their organization, but to introduce Gustavus students to the beauty and intricacy of African culture.
“Our purpose for Africa Week is to inform the Gustavus community about Africa’s culture and allow Gustavus students to get to know PASO more in depth,” said Hobson.
The week’s events will begin on March 12th with a discussion and presentation titled “What is Pan-Africanism?” led by Diversity Center Director Tom Flunker, which will take place from 5-6 pm in the Courtyard Cafe.
The discussion will focus largely on the question of how we define Pan-Africanism, how Pan-Africanism began, and its importance and relevance in our society today.
On the 13th, people will have the opportunity to learn about and practice traditional African dances from 5:30-6:30 pm in the Lund Aerobics Room.
“We encourage students to attend all the events we have for Africa Week,” said PASO Co-chair PhePhe Quevi.
“On Wednesday we have a “Get to know PASO Mixer” where students can come and chat and hang out with PASO members, asking us about our organization.”
The Get to Know PASO Mixer will take place in the Courtyard Cafe from 6:30-7:30 pm, and those who attend can expect good conversation along with free popcorn and frost-your-owns.
Aside from the discussion night, dance class, and mixer, PASO has also tried to incorporate several new features into this year’s Africa Week.
“Pan-Africanism aims to encourage and strengthen bonds of solidarity between all people of African descent,” said Emovon David.
“We aim to portray Africa’s authenticity through dance, food, fashion, and much more. We have a few new elements this year, one being African Royalty. PASO members voted on members of PASO that they felt promoted Pan-Africanism on the Gustavus campus. People who attend also have a chance to win prizes throughout the show.”
Members of PASO are particularly excited for the Open Mic Night on Thursday the 15th, during which they will be collaborating with other cultural student organizations on campus including the International Cultures Club (ICC), Hmong American Cultural Outreach (HACO), Global China Connection (GCC), Muslim Students Association (MSA), and OLAS (Organization for Latin American, Latino/a and Spanish Cultures).
“We are collaborating with other organizations to put on a night sharing traditional stories or talents,” explained Hobson. “We are trying to include other organizations to be part of Africa Week, because it’s a celebration.”
The Week will come to a close with PASO’s main event: Africa Night on Friday, March 16th.
Free and open to the public, this event will be held from 6 to 8:30 pm in Alumni Hall, and will feature music and dancing from different regions of Africa and the Caribbean.
There will also be food prepared inspired by East and West African cuisines.
“Africa Night 2018 will be filled with lots of music, skits, dancing, food, a fashion show, poetry/ spoken word and singing. It will be a night to remember!” said Quevi.
Those wishing to keep on celebrating after the show can head to Friday night’s “Afrobeats” Africa Night Dive from 11 to 1 am for even more traditional music, song, and dance.
With a series of multiple events, PASO is hopeful that Africa Week will be a huge success, and they encourage everyone in the Gustavus community to come celebrate.
According to PASO, it’s an event you don’t want to miss.