African pride certainly appears to be reaching a new pinnacle in Beijing. Hot on the heels of the recent Pride of Africa Awards (details on how to vote here) an unaffiliated, but similarly empowering string of events is about to kick off in celebration of the rich and diverse music, art, and food that can be found across the continent.
Fittingly titled Africa Week, the May 18-26 series is a student-run initiative with enticing events like dance workshops, art exhibitions and talks, dinner parties, open mics, and more.
Founder Zahra R. Baitie, who also runs an enterprise called Kente and Silk (K&S), hopes the billed activities will inspire positive dialogue and deepen ties between Chinese people and African expats in Beijing. While she says she's "mainly had a positive experience in China, the racist exhibit in Wuhan and the offensive skit at this year's Spring Festival Gala both reminded me that there's still such a dearth of understanding and appreciation for Africa here in China, despite our longstanding histories, extensive connections, and the depth of economic engagement." In order to buck against those problematic issues, Baitie coordinated this cultural event series. The week of events culminates with a startup competition at Schwarzman, and proceeds will be donated to the participant with the winning pitch. Baitie says, "The aim is to ensure that this week supports African entrepreneurs who are making their mark to shape Africa-China relations."
Baitie, who hails from Ghana and is currently majoring in Global Affairs at Tsinghua's Schwarzman College, says that she founded K&S "to change the status quo of Africa-China relations." From there, the enterprise will devote those funds to "promising start-up and/or business ideas led by an African national in China."
Badr Benjelloun, whose Caravan restaurant and bar will host a handful of the Africa Week events, says he was impressed by Baitie's gumption and quickly became eager to lend a hand. "This is an initiative by students, their goal to help fund a startup is something I can really get behind, coming from an entrepreneurial background myself. I want to give them some guidance and be part of it – all for Africa!"
Benjelloun adds, "I'm happy to be doing it, to have Caravan be part of it, because Morocco is an integral part of Africa, and even though it gets forgotten every so often, yes we are Africans. Being the only Moroccan restaurant in Beijing, I feel like it's our duty to help people trying to do anything for Africa."
"Art engages people, and so does dance," Baitie says. "So I wanted to showcase the dynamism of the African community in China with this events series."
If you'd like to participate, head along to one or all of Africa Week's events as listed here:kenteandsilk.com/africa-week-beijing-2018.
Photos courtesy of Zahra R. Baitie and James Sserwadda
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