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Peace Education
African Culture Celebrated in New York
Written by Chiara Hagiwara, UPF-United States
Sunday, April 28, 2019
New York, United States—More than 300 people of African descent, dressed in their traditional robes and dresses, attended an African Cultural Family Festival that was co-sponsored by UPF USA.
The festival took place on a Sunday afternoon, April 28, 2019, in midtown Manhattan. The event was a celebration of the rich African culture, which embodies and emphasizes the importance of family, tradition, music, and heritage.
The main speakers included Dr. Nelson Aluya, assistant professor of medicine at Rutgers University, who spoke on “The Value of Hybrid Education for the African Child,” and Dr. Kani Diop, CEO of African Women Global Initiatives, who gave a presentation on “Family Beliefs and Community Values: A Closer Look at the African Immigrant Families.” These speeches emphasized the importance of engraving African traditions as a way to raise the future generation.
In between these speakers, talented African musicians and dancers gave a taste of African culture to the audience. These performances livened the atmosphere, and many in the audience stood up and danced to the music.
The keynote address was delivered by Hon. Annick Josiane Capet Bakou, the consul general of Ivory Coast (Republic of Côte d'Ivoire). She thanked the Universal Peace Federation for its work in promoting peace in the family, society and the world. She especially thanked the African families in attendance for their active participation in the community and for educating their children in their own culture and heritage.
Dr. Drissa Kone, the main organizer of the event and one of the key speakers, gave a brief talk on the importance of family and how peace is created through strengthening the family unit. He also spoke about the significance of blessing the family, before he and his wife led a toast for peace and family Blessing with two couples, one Muslim and the other Christian.
Twelve outstanding individuals were appointed as Ambassadors for Peace. Afterward everyone enjoyed a delicious African meal and engaged in fellowship while watching performances from the Benin Group, Dozo Dance with Mamadou Cissé, and Djliya with children.
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