"Out of Africa" celebrates shared cultural history
Africa has a much more to offer than many people think.
That was the message Nigerian graduate student Cajetan Iheka brought to Plachta Auditorium Friday night during the 4th annual African Culture Night.
Iheka stood in his native Nigerian clothing on stage and pointed to the continent which holds 53 countries.
He sees this place as home and wanted others to know that it is not just another place to spend your money and take pictures.
“People look at Africa as just another place to go for vacation,” Iheka said. “They look at Africa through the eyes of slavery and the negative images that are shown through the media and that’s not all that Africa has to offer.”
A night of music, fashion dance and poetry expressed the sorrow, excitement and unity of African people.
The Omowale Dance Troup performed, along with African students from Michigan State University and Wayne State University.
Nigerian dancer Olageni Fadipe traveled from home, Nigeria, to see the cultural unity between Africans and African Americans.
“(The event) brings all Africans together,” Fadipe said. “It show Africa’s value and that’s why I love to come here.”
Alex Chouinard was pulled onto the stage to join dancers and finish the routine.
The Milford sophomore said he did not mind showing off his dance skills on stage.
“It didn’t mind it at all,” Chouinard said. “It was a fun time and I love programs that get people involved in the acts.”
Grand Blanc senior Uzo Eluwa was co-emcee for the event, along with Flushing junior Judea Archie Walker.
Their comic approach brought laughter and kept the show going smoothly.
Eluwa, who has Nigerian ancestry, looked at this event as a learning opportunity for all people.
“I was told as a young boy that understanding culture brings acceptance and that lack of exposure brings ignorance,” Eluwa said. “I would want to do this for all cultures so they would all be represented.”
