Photo by: Toby Wang
As the doors to Driscoll were opened Friday night visitors were instantly hit with the pulse of beating drums and cries of enthusiasm while the pungent, spicy scent of Ethiopian and Moroccan foods waffed through the air. For a few hours, the building seemed to become part of another world.
The fifth annual African Extravaganza took over the entirety of Driscoll Friday evening. Hosted for the first time by the African Community Center, it was a vivacious and spirited display of African culture complete with a DJ spinning African hip-hop and reggae hits, a drumming and dancing troop, belly dancer and local foods. The event was part of a series that highlighted refugee issues. Denver receives more than 1,000 refugees each year from all over the world.
The event also served as a platform for many advocacy and noprofit groups to educate about issues affecting Africa and also served as a way to recruit new support. From genocide awareness to Darfur to the Peace Corps, hundreds of people were flocking around the booths interested in learning more. There were also a number of people selling jewelry and other African gifts. Many purchasers could be seen wearing their newly found treasures for the rest of the evening. As many people wore African clothing, it became quite the trend to sport your own wares.
A large portion of those who attended are part of the African diaspora living in Denver. Yoal Ghebremeskel, who grew up in Eritrea came to the United States at the age of 12. He graduated from DU last year with a degree in international studies and explainedwhat Africa Extravaganza means to him.
“I just love seeing the diversity and it’s not just the Africans, it’s the Americans and other international students,” he said. “It’s great to see how different people can be involved.”
And involved they were. There was no shortage of exchange in conversation and camaraderie. Children from a number of backgrounds were sharing dance moves in the ballroom while their parents chatted over bites of lentils and injera. The couches near Jazzmans coffee shop had been appropriated by a group of young Africans and American laughing with each other.
Judi VonGaia, DU class of 1983, attended the event with a few friends. She had also attended a sister event last Wednesday called Voices of Refugees where three people spoke about their experiences.
“We just like to support diversity and support the cause of refugees,” she explained.
The African Community Center was pleased with the results of the event and reported that they had more than twice as many people in attendance than in previous years. There was certainly no shortage of reasons to go, Driscoll has never seen such a show of exuberance and joy. Perhaps next year there will be three times the dancing, eating and exchange.
