20,000 Students Attend Forum on Africa

On Tuesday Oct. 30th, thousands of students attended a daylong forum on Africa.  This forum was organized by the African Society of the National Summit on Africa alongside the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh.  It was held in the David Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

    Approximately 20, 000 students and educators from the Pennsylvania and West Virginia school systems were in attendance at the forum.  The intent behind the forum was to raise the issue of the lack of African education in American schools curricula. One of the major focuses of the forum besides addressing the underlying issue of America’s lack of interest in African affairs/education was to help initiate/foster a greater appreciation and understanding of Africa’s role in the world.     There were keynote panel speakers including ambassadors, scholars, and policy makers alike.  In addition to the panel speakers, the attendees engaged in workshops facilitated on US and African Relations, China and African Relations, Business within Africa, Education in Africa and Media in Africa.  
    When I discovered this article it brought some hope into my heart.  It is not often, or I think it may even be safe for me to say that this has never happened before. Some of us in the African Diaspora Club went through America’s educational system. I can attest to the fact that the curriculum covers little to no education on Africa.
    Though  I was fortunate enough to have grown  up in an area immersed in African culture and education, I cannot help to wonder how many students across America might not ever have this opportunity.  So many students will never know what exists in Africa, what we have to offer as a continent, and the importance Africa has in the world.  
    This event was organized by the Teach Africa organization funded by the Ford Foundation.  The Ford Foundation’s mission is to educate kids about the vast African cultures, peoples, languages, resources and  contribution to the global community inter/intra political relationships.