Celebrate Africa brings together guests from the continent with Pitt community on Sept. 16-17

On Sept.16 and 17, 2022, Pitt’s Center for African Studies will host the first-ever Celebrate Africa event in honor of the vibrant, diverse cultures of the African continent. This two-day event will showcase Pitt’s academic and service work in Africa and provide opportunities for participants to experience a lively cultural celebration featuring music, dance and food.

As a combination conference and festival, Celebrate Africa will connect guests from the continent of Africa, representatives of the African diaspora community in Pittsburgh, and students and faculty from across the University to engage in bilateral cultural exchange and learn more about life in Africa through discussion and activities grounded in globally relevant themes. Pittsburgh’s significant African diaspora community has been actively involved in planning this event, which makes it especially relevant to the University and city community — attendees will have the opportunity to see the global in the local and expand their global mindset without leaving Oakland.

Featured speakers 

• Paul Zeleza, renowned pan-African scholar, will deliver the keynote.
• Ann E. Cudd, provost and senior vice chancellor, will give welcome remarks.
• Rich Fitzgerald, county executive, will welcome guests to Pittsburgh and share remarks about “Welcoming Pittsburgh.”
• Catherine Koverola, director of the Center for African Studies, will give remarks about the center and introduce and welcome speakers. 
• Ariel Armony, vice chancellor for global affairs and director for the University Center for International Studies, will give remarks about Pitt Global.  

Get more information about this event and learn more about its inception in the University Times.

— Maggie Grey McDonald