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African Students to host "Umoja" Conference

by Pat Anfinson
April 20, 2007

Buntrock Commons

April 20 and 21 The St. Olaf African Student Association, Karibu, will welcome six schools from the Midwest to the "Umoja" (meaning "unity" in Swahili) Conference. The yearly conference seekds to promote passion, unity, and celebration of the various countries of Africa and its unique diversity.

Conference events will kick off with a dance competition in the Pause on Friday evening at 6 p.m. followed by a DJ Dance 10 p.m. for students and conference attendees.

Saturday at 2 p.m. keynote speaker Francois Mpagazihe, father of St. Olaf student Claire Mpagazihe, will speak on Africa's Riches in Viking Theater. The rest of the afternoon will be devoted to discussion sessions on pan-Africanism and raising African children in the United States.

The conference concludes with a banquet held at 7 p.m. in Buntrock Commons, Trollhaugen dining room. Students are asked to sign up ahead of time outside the cafeteria with their student ID numbers.

All events are open to the public.

Friday, 20 April, 6 p.m. - Dance competition in the Pause

Friday, 20 April, 10 p.m. - DJ dance in the Pause

Saturday, 21 April, 2 p.m. - Keynote speaker in Viking Theatre

Saturday, 21 April, 4:30 p.m. - Discussion sessions (locations tba)

Saturday, 21 April, 7 p.m. - Closing banquet in Trollhaugen

Contact Pat Anfinson at 507-786-3032 or panfin@stolaf.edu.