First annual African Diaspora Symposium builds connections within the Northeast community

Students at Northeast High School worked with student advocate Kwame Gyamfi on a special event to help connect the Lincoln community through the African Diaspora Symposium.


The African diaspora refers to “the voluntary and involuntary movement of Africans and their descendants to various parts of the world.” The school hosted its first-ever African Diaspora Symposium to help people better understand the connections between African Americans and Africa.

 “It is an opportunity for students at Northeast High School to showcase their diversity in talent,” Gyamfi said.

The event featured several vendors, community organizations and various artist booths throughout the building. It was also a good opportunity for local small businesses to increase their visibility like Northeast High School junior Tawfig. Tawfig was one of the business owners and used the symposium to help bring awareness to his clothing line of hoodies. 


“I think it’s a great opportunity just to get some exposure from the community and let my name be known by other people,” Tawfig said.


Attendees could enjoy several live performances throughout the afternoon, including traditional African dancing, student poets, Northeast’s drum circle and step teams. Northeast ninth-grade student, Corinn, was one of the feature poets.


“I feel events like this are important because it helps spread awareness that there is a community here and there are people here to support you and listen to you,” she said. 


Organizers and participants hope the symposium fosters community and greater cultural awareness. 


“I think it’s all about representation and being with other people like you. I think being able to 

see others like yourself just helps us embrace our culture,” Tawfig said.


“I hope they take away that there is a place where you can go to learn more about culture or learn more about your culture,” Corinn added.

Check out highlights from the cultural celebration below. 

 

 


Published: March 14, 2023, Updated: March 14, 2023

Lincoln Northeast High Drum Circle performs as a part of its inaugural African Diaspora Symposium.