Afrofest kicks off at the University
by Steven Anderson
February is Black History Month and for some Windsorites, it’s a time for celebration and awareness.
In light of the celebration the University of Windsor held its seventh annual Afrofest week celebrating Black History Month and its importance to our community.
U of W student Josh Harendorf took time to participate in the festivities.
“We have gone to check out the events that Afrofest is putting on and they’re terrific. Very informative and it’s really a nice and refreshing sight,” said Harendorf.
Sandwich Town and the surrounding area became an established black settlement where thousands of freed and fugitive slaves took refuge from slavery in the U.S.
Using a system of secret routes and safe houses in the 19th century known as the Underground Railroad many would travel through Michigan into Windsor.
Jasmine Burke Ishmael Head Coordinator of Afrofest believes it’s an opportunity to share the culture and educate people on various issues.
Afrofest included discussions, local merchandise, as well as fashion shows and dance celebrating black culture on display at the university. The festivities ran from Feb. 4 through Feb. and included an array of activities.
“Thursday brings a day of celebration with drummers, dancing, storytelling and spoken word, and then love languages brings us into our season of love,“ said Ishmael.
Although the spirit of Afrofest is encouraged all year, Ishmael said she is thankful for Black History Month because it helps draw more focus to cultural education.
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