AFRICAN CULTURE EXPLORED AT “AFRICANDO” AT
MIAMI DADE COLLEGE’S NORTH CAMPUS
~African cosmogony, development, and health traditions symposium~
MIAMI, Sept. 21, 2007 – Miami Dade College (MDC) in cooperation with The Foundation for Democracy in Africa will present a symposium and exposition, African Cultures and Development, on Saturday, Sept. 22 at 10 a.m. at MDC’s North Campus, 11380 N.W. 27 Ave., Room 5120.
The event will feature a lively discussion and a sharing of information about African culture, health, ideology and the renaissance of multifaceted socio-economic developments that are taking place on the continent and transcending throughout the Diaspora. A select group of panelists will discuss current realities, challenges and opportunities for collaboration.
Serving on the panel will be Chief Adedoja E. Aluko the Babalodu Awo Agbaye who serves as the head of the Indigenous Faith of Africa, Priest Douglas Smith is a founding member of the Miami, Florida branch of the Ethiopia Africa Black International Congress, professor Patti Harris, chairperson of the social science department at MDC’s North Campus, professor Annette Gibson of the MDC School of Nursing, and Joseph McNair, a professor at MDC’s School of Education who is presenting and moderating the panel. At 2 p.m., a special address focusing on the economic empowerment of the African diaspora, “An Update on the African Union”, will be delivered by Fred Oladeinde, president of The Foundation for Democracy in Africa
“The wealth of the world is the people and the extraordinary spirit of their traditions and cultures,” said MDC North Campus President, Dr. José Vicente. “The multiplicity of cultures that exists among the students and faculty at the North Campus makes for a vibrant and refreshing learning ground for cooperation and understanding and we are proud to be a host of the 2007 Africando events.”
The symposium and special address will be complemented by numerous performing groups such as the SASA African Dance Theatre and Kuyayky Peruvian Dancers. Also featured will be an African marketplace of authentic arts, crafts and textiles and a health fair, compliments of Care Access Florida and the nursing students at MDC’s School of Nursing.
“African and African-derivative religion and spirituality describe the values, beliefs and practices drawn from ancient indigenous faiths of sub-Saharan African people,” professor McNair said. “African-derived belief systems are an important proliferation in the Americas to be recognized, maintained and celebrated.”
The event is free and open to the public.
WHAT: “Africando”: A symposium and exposition on African cultures and development
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 22 at 10 a.m. through 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: MDC’s North Campus, 11380 N.W. 27th Avenue, Room 5120, Miami.
For more information, call: Malou C. Harrison (305) 237-1565
Media-only contacts: Manolo Barco, 305-237-3081, mbarco@mdc.edu; Beverly C. Rodrigues, MDC director of media relations, 305-237-3949, brodrigu@mdc.edu or Juan Mendieta, MDC director of communications, 305-237-7611.