Portrayal of African experiences focus of conference at SUNY New Paltz

NEW PALTZ — The New York African Studies Association (NYASA) will commemorate its 30th anniversary with a conference at the campus where it was founded, the State University of New York at New Paltz. “African Pessimism/ African Optimism” will take place from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, April 7, and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 8.

There will be a plenary session at noon on April 7, in Lecture Center 100, where President Steven Poskanzer will make the welcoming remarks. In addition, there will be presentations from local, regional, national and international scholars and students, as well as an awards ceremony recognizing the contributions of individuals seeking a more balanced portrayal of the African experience.

The recipient of this year’s Africanist Award is Dr. Richard Hull, former president of the NYASA and professor of African History at New York University. Hull will also give the keynote presentation, “Africa: The Bright Side,” on April 7. His most recent book, “People of the Valleys Revisited: Warwick 1700-2005,” is the first in a series of books on comparative community-building in Africa and America.

The dance troupe Kibola Sougei will provide entertainment on April 7. A performance of drum, dance and song by Africans and Americans will highlight the diverse arts of Guinea, West Africa. Mariam Ndagire, renowned Ugandan entertainer and director of the Trends Band, will lend her voice to the celebration.

A number of panel and roundtable discussions are scheduled both days, covering topics such as Rwanda 1994, the history of genocide, alternative forms of justice in South Africa, HIV/AIDS prevention strategies, the African presence in the Hudson Valley and African Studies at SUNY New Paltz.

The cost to attend the event is $100, and includes two-day registration, refreshments, Friday dinner, musical entertainment and continental breakfast and lunch on Saturday. Those interested in attending only one event or day, should contact Eudora Chikwendu at (845) 257-3543 or Jerry Persaud at (845) 257-2631 for more information and a complete schedule.