Still We Rise; University of Windsor Presents Afro Fest, 2019

BY: SIMONE JENNIFER SMITH 

Windsor University Alumni Stand Up!

What a week it was for me! This week filled me with a sense of pride and appreciation for the university that assisted me in becoming the woman I am today. There is something to be said about a university that has housed such great names as: Tanisha Scott, three-time MTV VMA nominated choreographer best known for her work with Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Sean Paul and Beyoncè, the great Robert Small, artist behind the Legacy Poster, which had its genesis in 1995 when he attended the Windsor University, and Arjei Franklin, a former Canadian professional football slotback who played for the Calgary Stampeders and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Time has passed and life has evolved at the University of Windsor, and in its evolution, Afrofest was created. Afrofest is a weeklong celebration of African Heritage Month that takes place in February. During this week, the majority of the African student body is involved in a cornucopia of cultural and educational activities that document and celebrate the many contributions made by peoples of African descent living in the diaspora. Afrofest has a wonderful group of sponsors that assist with celebration; this group includes the University of Windsor Student Alliance, BIZX, Organization of Part-Time University Students, University of Windsor, Aids Community of Windsor, and CJam 99.1, a student-run radio program located at the University of Windsor.

The celebrations promote unity on campus and highlight the journey and progression of the African culture. The events are carefully selected with the purpose of engaging students in cross-cultural exchange. Afrofest is a fusion of intellectual discussion, film, fashion, and artistic and musical talent. I had an opportunity to connect with the organizer of Afrofest Latavia Lewis; she is a bright, energetic young woman who happens to be majoring in developmental psychology and takes great pride in identifying as an African woman. What I truly admired about this young lady is that regardless of if things were going as planned, she stayed focused, and did not let the stress get to her. When I arrived at each event, she would welcome me with a smile, and ensure that I was introduced to students and staff. It was extremely comforting to see that despite what many of us may think, there are some young people who are actively working towards unselfishly uplifting the African community.

Each day was organized with events and I was able to attend a few of them. The opening ceremonies were on February 4^th in the CAW Commons, and included UWSA speeches, as well as the official singing of the Black National Anthem; this was followed by drumming lessons hosted by Alpha Drumming, and Taste of the Diaspora, which had Afro and Caribbean cuisine at only $5.00 a plate. I was actively involved in the seminars that took place on Tuesday, February 5^th. The very first seminar was on mental health in black culture. I must admit that I was saddened at what I heard during this seminar. Many of our young African students are suffering from stress-related illnesses, and they do not have anyone, or anywhere to turn. The university does offer peer support and other mental health programs, but not focused on the black experience. When asked about cultural diversity in mental health, the attending members of the UWSA were unable to give any concrete answers, which left me thinking, what can be done to change this? How can we provide a culturally diverse mental health experience for our students who are attending universities across the province?

The open discussions, panels, dance classes, photography, and films that were presented during Afrofest were engaging and thought-provoking. Unfortunately, our government does not see Afrofest as being important and relevant enough to continue next year. There are plans to discontinue the celebrations, and this would be devastating; I really hope that African students at the University of Windsor find a way to hold on to this tradition, even if it means looking outside the university for support. If you are interested in the Afrofest activities you can check them out on Instagram @afrofest, or visit www.uwsa.ca/afrofest19.