Author: Africa Center

Author Archive 22 Posts

Happy Pride! (Jun 2022)

Posted on by Africa Center
*|MC:SUBJECT|*
Logo

Happy Pride!

Getty Images

June is a time for us to remember the countless challenges that the LGBTQIA community has faced over the years, and to celebrate the achievements that have ushered in a more inclusive society.

Here at Africa Center Hong Kong, we especially acknowledge the role that African members of the LGBTQIA community have played in this struggle, be they diasporic or local— activists such as Marsha P. Johnson, Marylize Biubwa, Simon Nkoli, and Richard Akuson, who made a resounding impact in their respective corners of the world.

Queer Pride Festival 2022

We realize that it is important to center queer voices- especially African queer voices- in this conversation, so we have organized a program that does just that; allowing queer people to speak for themselves.

This year on the 26th of June (Sunday), we are celebrating Pride at Africa Center in collaboration with two amazing artists, Brian Lau and Carmen! We have also organized a range of activities running from 3:30 pm -10 pm, including talks, art-making, performances, and movies. Join us for good food, great people, and a fantastic time!

In an African context, sexuality is inseparable from colonialism. As the LGBTQIA community faces injustice in many African counties, we should remember that many of the laws that criminalize homosexuality are remnants of the homophobic legacy of colonization. Still, with former colonial masters championing LGBTQIA rights, it is even more important that we acknowledge these issues without patronizing, minimizing, and victimizing these communities, which has often been done by Western countries.

In 2011, ex-UK Prime Minister David Cameron threatened to withdraw foreign aid from countries that enforced laws that did not support gay rights, causing uproar in Uganda with regard to colonialist rhetoric. This is where the question of intersectionality comes in: if sexuality is indeed tied to colonialism, how does one decolonize the process of reclaiming power in sexuality? Join us as we explore the answer to this and other questions during our Queer Pride Festival 2022.

Check out what is happening in our Pride Corners:

We have many exciting events coming up at the Africa Center and we would love to see you there.

Upcoming Events

Afro Multi-Activity Summer Camp 2022 (Jun 2022)

Posted on by Africa Center
*|MC:SUBJECT|*

View this email in your browser

Added dates for Afro Multi-Activity Summer Camp 2022

We are running the camp in both July and August 2022

Earlier, we sent you an email about our July summer camp dates. We soon realized that some eager summer campers might be unable to join the July camp because of their school schedules. We will run the camp in July and August to provide greater flexibility.

So what is the Afro Multi-Activity Summer Camp 2022? This is a 5-day programme for kids of all ethnicities to connect and empower the next generation. During this camp, we will help kids develop relationships, confidence, and skills through multiple activities including painting, dancing, drama, baking, making videos, doing science experiments and so much more. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to immerse your kids in a multicultural learning environment!

Here are the details of the summer camp:

Dates:

Camp 1: 4 July (Mon) – 8 July (Fri), 2022

Camp 2: 15 August (Mon) -19 August (Fri), 2022

Time: 10:00am-4:00pm, Monday to Friday

Venue: Africa Center Hong Kong, 12/F, 22 Hillwood Road, TST

Fee: $750/day* for kids aged 2-5 years old

$1,000/day* for kids aged 6-13 years old

(The fee includes the whole day programme, buffet lunch, and a certificate of completion)

*10% discount for kids joining the whole 5-day programme

Maximum Capacity: 30 kids

Our fun-filled 5-day programme has different themes, you can choose to join any one day of any camp, but also we offer a discount to children who join our entire 5-day programme:)

Details of the programmes may differ from the projected content.

See you there!

Registrations can be made by clicking ‘Register,’ through our website, or by using our contact information at the bottom of the page

As always, we at the Africa Center Hong Kong are working hard to bring you a variety of events. Check out what exciting events are coming up on our website.

Upcoming Events

Why do we celebrate Africa Day? (May 2022）

Posted on by Africa Center
*|MC:SUBJECT|*
Logo

View this email in your browser

Why do we celebrate Africa Day?

Africa Day is a day of celebration for Africans and people of African descent all over the world and has even morphed into Africa Month which is celebrated throughout the month of May.

It is a day to celebrate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) which was created on 25 May 1963. The OAU is now known as the African Union (AU) consisting of 55 member states. Can you identify the member states in the map below?

All are welcome to celebrate Africa Day with us at the Africa Center

This is a great day to learn about and try mouth-watering foods from all across the African continent. This exploration of food will be coupled with an array of programs for all ages, including an arts and crafts section for children, a fashion show and a talk on nutrition in Africa.

Come and join us for great food, culture, music and crafts from across the African continent! From dress to accessories, we will also be selling different kinds of African clothes at the center on the Africa Day.

Africa Day 2022

As always, we at the Africa Center Hong Kong are working hard to bring you a variety of events. Check out what exciting events are coming up on our website.

Upcoming Events

Connecting Communities (Apr 2022）

Posted on by Africa Center
*|MC:SUBJECT|*

View this email in your browser

Logo

Connecting Communities

Many people, specifically Africans, have come to the Africa Center Hong Kong and introduced themselves to members of our staff. The general narrative that these people share is that they are new to the city and they were looking for some contact points with Africans in the city. We love to receive these people and discover the paths that have lead them to the Africa Center. In doing this we can effectively fulfil our mission of connecting communities.

We have had Africans coming straight from Nigeria to study in Hong Kong meeting with a community at the centre and finding food they love. We have had a newly wedded couple who previously lived in Canada coming in and asking about the job market in Hong Kong. A Zimbabwean musician who had previously lived in Shanghai found a community with the more musically inclined people who frequent the centre… and the list goes on.

We are sharing this with you, our dear readers, because we want to invite you all to also find your community with us. As a cultural center we love to share and connect with people from all over the world. In light of this we invite you to join our MeetUp groups where you can stay up to date with some of the communities that we foster here at the Africa Center Hong Kong.

Our MeetUp Profile

Back to a new normal? (Apr 2022)

Posted on by Africa Center
*|MC:SUBJECT|*

View this email in your browser

Logo

Back to a new normal?

We at the Africa Center Hong Kong are eargerly anticipating the dawn of April 21st that promises to bring with it some freedoms in terms of Covid regulations. As a cultural Center it has not been the easiest task for us to adjust to the online format, though if I must say so myself, I think we did quite a good job of it. As we are being allowed more time to spend in the face to face format we are looking to use this opportunity to further our goals and facilitate discussions on pertinent topics.

The first of these events will be a talk and a networking lunch on “Navigating Africa”. As the global economy continues to face uncertainties due to the pandemic and conflicts, businesses continue to diversify their investments and more of them considering Africa’s emerging markets – albeit with a mix of optimism and pessimism. We invite you to join us to discuss how these countries coordinate their work to improve the investor climate so that businesses can successfully navigate Africa.

This is an event that you do not want to miss!

More Information & Registration

As always, we have several events lined up for you both in the online and in person formats, from delicious lunches to discussions and a big event on coming up in May to celebrate Africa Day. Check out our upcoming events to stay on top of the events in the following weeks.

Upcoming Events

Spring Time & Virtual Travel! (Mar 2022)

Posted on by Africa Center
*|MC:SUBJECT|*

View this email in your browser

Logo

Spring Time & Virtual Travel!

It is that time of year again when the cold of winter gives way to a new season where flowers begin to bloom and the old gives way to the new. The 5th wave still hovers with its associated health risks, anxiety and restrictions, yet we are confident that it will not dampen the tough and resilient spirit of Hong Kong and springtime. The Africa Center commiserates with all our subscribers and is grateful for your lives and hopeful for your wellbeing. We are certain we will prevail despite the turbulent times, as still we rise (in Maya Angelou’s voice). The Center aims at reviving the joy of springtime for both young and old through our social enhancing programs, particularly in these dire times of limited social contact and home isolations.

Flowers always remind us of springtime, and South Africa hosts colourful flower related events like the Magoebaskloof Spring festival. Other exciting springtime festivals range from film, culture, art and technology across Africa. The Pan-African film festival (FESPACO) in Burkina Faso is one, and the Zanzibar International Film Festival (Festival of Dhow countries) is considered East Africa’s largest multi-cultural event of the culture and arts of several regional countries, Indian ocean islands and Iran, India, Gulf States and Pakistan. There are concerts, readings, and educational activities with the film competition in the historical breath-taking settings of the Stone Town seafront and beyond to rural areas through a Village Panoroma.

At the moment it may be difficult to imagine travelling for these festivals. This is why the Africa Center Hong Kong has decided to bring some of this excitement to you with our novel virtual travel program! This will take you on live experiential tours of beautifully diverse and multi-cultural African countries in these times of restricted international travel. Come and join us live to virtually experience the sights and sounds of Africa from the East to the North, West and Southern parts of the continent.

Virtual Travel Tours

Kids Spring Camp

Children are not left out of our springtime programs. They have been terribly affected by this 5th wave, and had to revert to indoor play and learning activities daily. Worry no more if your child(ren) are in the above situation and have exhausted engaging ways to interact with other children while doing interesting non-academic activities. Our Afro-Multi Activity Spring Camp is here to address this exact need. We can’t wait for your children to enrol and spend time with us and other kids in making diverse artwork and bead accessories, virtually exploring Africa and the diaspora world, cooking, baking and dancing our hearts out.

Sign up here!

You can get your copy of the ‘Womanhood’ issue of the African Spear magazine at the Africa Center Hong Kong or online.

Order it here

Virtual Afro Multi Activity Spring Camp (Mar 2022)

Posted on by Africa Center
*|MC:SUBJECT|*

View this email in your browser

Logo

Afro Multi-Activity Spring Camp

The past three years have been trying times for many children, with unexpected breaks and several changes in the educational format. This transition has not always been an easy one for children who were accustomed to meeting and playing with each other in person. We at the Africa Center Hong Kong are bringing back a bit of the adventure and joy of a conducive learning environment through our virtual Afro Multi-Activity Spring Camp. This camp is specifically designed to rejuvenate the spirits of children in fun and exciting activities. This will give children the chance to try something novel and meet new friends – even when this is done over a screen. Moreover, the camp focuses on the well being of children in creating fun and exciting programs which they can simply enjoy with no pressure of grades or evaluations.

Our camp focuses on three main categories: Arts and Crafts, Virtual Travels and Cooking & Baking workshops.

The camp will start on 18 March 2022. The last day of activities will be on 15 April 2022. You can sign up for any number of sessions!

Afro Multi-Activity Spring Camp

Join us for this spring camp that will give your children a chance to do something novel and meet new people!

Sign Up Here!

Africa Center Goes Virtual! (Feb 2022)

Posted on by Africa Center
*|MC:SUBJECT|*

View this email in your browser

Logo

Africa Center goes virtual!

The 5th wave that Hong Kong is experiencing has brought about the need to limit face to face interaction and stay home safely. We at the Africa Center are still committed to reaching all our cherished and potential clients with our exciting and cultural enhancement programs which tell African stories and experiences. As a result, we have moved most of our programs and events to online or virtual format including our book club events, cooking workshops and Chungking Mansion tours. You are warmly invited and we hope you join us for our virtual events and programs from the comfort of your homes for this month and while this 5th wave persists.

Virtual Programs

To be able to accommodate you and to make sure that we are all safe we have managed to move many of our programs online. For example our online cooking workshop and art workshops. These are events that help you connect with different aspects of African cultures using the online format. These activities are great for introducing something new to the classroom or even to the workspace in a time when we are all craving some social interaction!

Virtual cooking workshop and online arts workshop hosted at the Africa Center.

Virtual Art Workshop

Looking for something to do tomorrow? Join us for our online quiz night celebrating Black History Month. Click on the image for more information!

Speaking of Black History Month…

Black history month is characterised by conscious global efforts to tell black history from a black perspective. Black History Month is also currently a general celebration of black people’s culture and achievements globally. In line with that, we bring you some interesting titbits about aspects of black culture interspersed with its history.

Ever found yourself admiring the intricate designs, paths, curves and bends of the cornrow hairstyle crowning a black woman’s head? This African rooted hairstyle tells a story of redemption and rebellion. During the enslavement era, in places like Columbia this hairstyle was used as a tool. The intricate and carefully braided rows of hair served as maps of escape routes from slavery, and to hide grain and valuables needed to survive and start a new life after escape. Some hairstyles were also braided to communicate a desire to escape to those who knew how to read these messages. It symbolised the resilient spirit and determination of these enslaved peoples to change their situation.

Africa Center shares a bit of this history and more about different hairstyles usually carried by people with Afro-textured hair in our hair workshops that can be hosted both in person and online.
The hair workshop is a great opportunity to learn about and interesting form of art that is not usually discussed. This is a great activity to foster creativity both at schools and in corporate spaces.

Virtual Hair Workshop

Hair workshop at the Africa Center Hong Kong.

Women’s Month is coming up!

March is a month to celebrate events such as Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. Stay tuned for our big and exciting event that we will be hosting to honour all the wonderful women in our community!

Past Women’s Day Events
All Upcoming Events

Black History Month & Expressions of Love (Feb 2022)

Posted on by Africa Center
*|MC:SUBJECT|*

View this email in your browser

Logo

BLACK HISTORY MONTH &
Expressions of Love

We have entered February an exciting month as far as months for at least two reasons.

First and foremost it is Black History Month! This is a month in which people across the globe make an active effort to include black people into the whitewashed histories they are being taught throughout the rest of the year. Although there have always been many people advocating for a more holistic inclusion of black people in history, Black History Month as we know it originated from the efforts of Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1969. They announced that the second week of February was to be a week dedicated to researching, learning about and presenting black history. Interestingly, the reason why this week specifically was chosen was never recorded which we believe is symbolic of the missing histories of black people.


Today Black History Month is not only about our histories as black people but also about a more general celebration of black peoples cultures and achievements across the globe.
We sincerely hope that you too are making an active effort to participate in BHM activities this February!

Secondly, it is the month of love as many people celebrate Valentine’s day this month. Despite it not being a day that has any cultural significance for many Africans, Valentine’s Day has gained popularity across the globe due to capitalist influences as a day when roses and chocolates are bought by romantic lovers.


This has had us thinking about love in our own communities and how different cultures tend to express love. Author Ama Ata Aidoo started a projected that resulted in a anthology of short stories titled African Love Stories first published in 2006. What is most interesting about these short stories is that they do not always read like your typical love stories as they explore the broader concept of love which Ama Ata Aidoo says is the basis of all actions.
With this as a motivation, we hope that in this month of love you are thinking beyond love as only romantic love decorated with chocolates and roses.







This email was sent to *|EMAIL|*
why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences
*|LIST:ADDRESSLINE|*

*|REWARDS|*
*|MC:SUBJECT|*

View this email in your browser

Logo

BLACK HISTORY MONTH &
Expressions of Love

We have entered February an exciting month as far as months for at least two reasons.

First and foremost it is Black History Month! This is a month in which people across the globe make an active effort to include black people into the whitewashed histories they are being taught throughout the rest of the year. Although there have always been many people advocating for a more holistic inclusion of black people in history, Black History Month as we know it originated from the efforts of Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1969. They announced that the second week of February was to be a week dedicated to researching, learning about and presenting black history. Interestingly, the reason why this week specifically was chosen was never recorded which we believe is symbolic of the missing histories of black people.


Today Black History Month is not only about our histories as black people but also about a more general celebration of black peoples cultures and achievements across the globe.
We sincerely hope that you too are making an active effort to participate in BHM activities this February!

Secondly, it is the month of love as many people celebrate Valentine’s day this month. Despite it not being a day that has any cultural significance for many Africans, Valentine’s Day has gained popularity across the globe due to capitalist influences as a day when roses and chocolates are bought by romantic lovers.


This has had us thinking about love in our own communities and how different cultures tend to express love. Author Ama Ata Aidoo started a projected that resulted in a anthology of short stories titled African Love Stories first published in 2006. What is most interesting about these short stories is that they do not always read like your typical love stories as they explore the broader concept of love which Ama Ata Aidoo says is the basis of all actions.
With this as a motivation, we hope that in this month of love you are thinking beyond love as only romantic love decorated with chocolates and roses.







This email was sent to *|EMAIL|*
why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences
*|LIST:ADDRESSLINE|*

*|REWARDS|*

Starting off the year on the right foot! (Jan 2022)

Posted on by Africa Center
*|MC:SUBJECT|*

View this email in your browser

Logo

Starting off the year on the right foot!

Guests at the Africa Center playing Nzango – game originating from Congo.

Despite new corona regulations and lockdowns we are determined to start our year right and we are happy to begin this year with you, our lovely readers. In the year to come we are planning on hosting many new and exciting events. Make sure you stay on top of all the upcoming events here. From book fairs to exhibitions, from new workshops to increased frequency of existing programs – we have a packed year planned ahead of us!

Upcoming Events

With the coming of a new year and the making of several plans for our future, we have been forced to think about our past too. This is the past not only of the Africa Center – a relatively short past – but also the past legacies that we aim to build upon here at the Africa Center. One of these would be the history of black people in Hong Kong and Asia as a whole. The recording of this history may on the one hand seem like a daunting task because there seems to be limited historical record of our existence here. On the other hand though, many black peoples histories in the city and the continent are quiet young which allows for quite an accurate recording of these personal histories here. There are groups such as The Homegrown Podcast and Spill Stories who are making an active effort to record the existence of black people in Hong Kong which we would like to celebrate.

In an insightful podcast episode by Dr. Edna Bonhomme with guest Nathalie Anguezomo Mba Bikoro the powerful point was made that Our Histories Are Not Missing. However, sometimes we need to make an active effort to uncover or rediscover them.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH IS COMING!

You might be wondering why all of this matters to us and more importantly why it should matter to you. Well, Black History Month is just around the corner and we are more than excited to be celebrating black people in this month and also to situate the histories of black people here in Hong Kong.

We wish you all a great and refreshing start to your year. Let this be your best one yet!







This email was sent to *|EMAIL|*
why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences
*|LIST:ADDRESSLINE|*

*|REWARDS|*