UW, Community Join To Celebrate 10th Annual Diaspora

Africa’s past, present and future will conjoin in the artistic comment, “Impulses of the Diaspora: An African Mosaic,” at Cafe Montmarte, 127 E. Mifflin, and Espresso Royale, 208 State St.

Incorporating sculpture, photography, oil/acrylic paintings and poetry, the project also reflects the cooperative efforts and experiences of the university and larger communities. On display April 2-25, “Impulses” officially opens April 5 at 6 p.m. at Cafe Montmarte. The opening will feature a free performance by Nova Tribe and a video screening of “dis poem” by Tania Issacs and Doreen Maloney.

Other highlights of the 10th anniversary Diaspora will include:

• “Divine Inspiration: from Benin to Bahia,” a photo exhibition by Phyllis Galembo, associate professor of fine arts, State University of New York-Albany, April 3-May 4, Memorial Union Theater Gallery
• Una Noche Acoustica with Honduran musician Guillermo Anderson, April 12, 8:30 p.m., Arthouse Cafe, 2827 Atwood Ave. (Dinner reservation will be required; call (608) 242-7151.)
• “La Fiesta en el Bosque,” bilingual children’s musical performance with Guillermo Anderson, April 13, 2 p.m., Madison Civic Center Marquee Room
• “Environmental and Women’s Movements Through Song,” with artists Guillermo Anderson and Ceibana. In conjunction with “Coffee Time in the Classroom” Introduction to Latin America, April 15, 2:30 p.m., 180 Science Hall
• Tropijazz recording artists Humberto Ramirez, April 19, 9 p.m., Memorial Union Rathskeller
• “The Impact of the African, Jewish and Other Diaspora Sagas in the Americas,” lecture by Ephriam Isaac, Director of Semitic Studies, Princeton University, April 20, 7 p.m. Memorial Union Great Hall
• “From the Gambia to Malcolm Shabazz,” lecture/demonstration by Al Haji Papa Bunka Susso, April 25, 1 p.m., Malcolm Shabazz High School
• Una Fiesta de Balle con Conjunto Cespedes, April 26, 10 p.m., Memorial Union Rathskeller

Festivities will culminate April 27 with “We Are the Drum: Africa to the Americas,” featuring the talents of Wunk Sheek Native American Drum and Dance, Al Haji Papa Bunka Susso Gambian Griot, Grupo Yuba Afro-Puerto Rican Dance and Conjunto Cespedes Afro-Cuban Ensemble. Music and dancing will begin at 7 p.m. in the Memorial Union (check Today in the Union for room). All events will be free and open to the public. For more information, contact Safiya Tolson, (608) 258-8242.