The Columbus African Festival serves as an important celebration of African cultures, music, fashion, arts and cuisine in Central Ohio, reflecting the vibrant and growing African community in the region.
The Center for African Studies partnered with African Studies at Ohio University, Kent State Center for African Studies and Wexner Center for the Arts to host an exhibition booth at the festival on July 26-27 in Genoa Park. Festivalgoers who visited the booth learned about African through interactive board games and puzzles, including a geography quiz featuring a map of Africa and instruction in the strategy game Mancala. This ancient Pan-African game, which dates back prior to the 3rd century, is known by various names across the continent: manqalah, bao, ayo, oware and wori.
“The festival brought together the African community in Central Ohio to share their diverse traditions and rich culture with the broader public. Organized by African immigrants in Columbus and surrounding states, the festival highlights the richness and expansiveness of African and Diasporan creative capacity,” said Jacien Carr, assistant director of the Center for African Studies. “Partnering with our colleagues at Ohio University allows us to expand international understanding and cultural enrichment though these outreach events. This festival is the first of many collaborations planned with our partners in the African Studies Program at Ohio University.”
Guests from numerous African countries, including Senegal, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mauritania, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania visited the booth during the festival.
The Middle East Studies Center also hosted an exhibition booth at the annual festival.
