Students took a journey to Africa as they strolled through Free Speech Alley on Wednesday. The Regional International Expo: The Allure of Africa gave students the experience of African food, art and culture without leaving campus. The Union Program Council International Committee hosted the event. “The purpose is to educate and introduce these cultures to everyone else,” said Mansi Vaishnav, UPC International Committee chairman. “People don’t realize what the music and food are like.” Mansi said the expo offered the lighter and more fun side of African culture. Students browsed through several information booths representing Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya and South Africa. Mansi said the expo tried to display countries that had a large student representation on campus. She said there are a large number of students in the University from these four countries, especially Nigeria. The booths exhibited each country’s art, currency, population and language. Mansi said students could also learn fun facts such as South Africa is the home of actress Charlize Theron. Many students stood in line waiting to taste the African cuisine. Students chose between Algerian couscous and Moroccan chili. Paul Guillory, environmental sciences graduate student, said he followed his nose to the expo to try the couscous. Greg Joubret, industrial engineering junior, stopped by the expo twice to make sure he tasted both African cuisines. “I was going to eat lunch in the Magnolia Room, and then I saw this and thought I’d try it,” Joubret said. “The chili is better than the couscous.” Students could also play “Guess the Countries” while visiting the expo. Mansi said students won a prize if they could identify any countries in Africa. Joshery Dubois, undecided freshman, said he won candy for labeling four unidentified countries. “I was intrigued by locating African countries,” Dubois said. “And I learned that people think Africa is one big country and not a continent.”
—-Contact Leslie Presnall at [email protected]