Halstenbek, Germany, October 7, 2023 - On a vibrant Saturday afternoon, the town of Halstenbek came alive with the colors, rhythms, and flavors of Africa. The Africa Day event was a resounding success that celebrated the rich diversity and heritage of the African continent.
The festivities kicked off with a powerful musical performance by the Sana Group, a dynamic duo composed of Baba from Senegal and Yoshua from Mexico. Their fusion of African and Latin rhythms set the stage for an unforgettable evening. The event's moderator, Mariam Khalifa, captivated the audience with her exceptional moderation skills, keeping the crowd engaged throughout the program.
The opening speech was delivered by Mr. Jan Krohn, the mayor of Halstenbek. In his address, he underscored the importance of peace and harmony as the foundation for the township's development.He emphasized that unity and cooperation are vital for the growth and progress of any community.The CDU politician Mr. Daniel Kölbl delivered a brief yet impactful message that resonated deeply with the attendees. He reminded everyone that, regardless of their background, they all shared a common African heritage. This thought-provoking statement challenged the preconceived notions of many Europeans about their roots.
Dr. Mohamed Khalifa, a respected lecturer at the university and the chief organizer of the event, welcomed the gathering warmly and extended his best wishes for an enjoyable and enlightening experience.
One of the highlights of the evening was the enlightening presentation by Prof. Dr. Henning Schreiber on the diversity of Africa. He emphasized that Africa is not a country but a vast and varied continent with over 1900 spoken languages and numerous cultures. His presentation dispelled the notion of a singular "African culture"
The cultural showcase continued with a mesmerizing performance of Ethiopian music and dance by DJ Samson, Abigail Fantahun, Haymanot Yohannes, and Anna. Their lively and energetic performance left the audience in awe.
Dr. Getie Gelaye, another distinguished lecturer at Hamburg University, took the stage to enlighten the audience about Ethiopia. He provided a fascinating insight into Ethiopia's history, highlighting its unique status as one of the few African countries that were never colonized. He also emphasized Ethiopia's contribution to global culture, particularly as the birthplace of coffee.The impressive Ethiopian coffee ceremony was organized and presented by Mrs. Emebet Amare, assisted by Aman and Tizita Gelaye. The mention of the majestic Nile River, the longest in the world, added an extra layer of wonder to his presentation......
Other esteemed speakers, including Dr. Mukhtar Muhammad Lawan, representing Nigeria, and Prof. Dr. Roland Kießling for Tanzania, shared their insights and perspectives, adding depth to the event's cultural and educational aspect.
As the day progressed, the melodious tunes of Haruna Chizo Salisu filled the hall, providing a soulful and beautiful soundtrack to the evening's festivities. The hall was packed with attendees from diverse backgrounds, all sharing in the celebration of African culture.
At the event were Mrs. Sylvaina Gerlich of IMIC and Desmond John Beddy of TopAfric e.V., highlighting the importance and recognition of Africa Day in the region.
Of course, no celebration is complete without delicious food and refreshments. The organizers ensured that attendees were treated to a culinary journey through Africa, offering a taste of the continent's diverse cuisine.
In conclusion, the Africa Day event held in Halstenbek on October 7th, 2023, was a remarkable success. It showcased the beauty, diversity, and richness of African culture while fostering unity and understanding among the attendees. TopAfric e.V. salutes the organizers for their meticulous planning and execution, making this event a memorable and enlightening experience for all who attended. This celebration was a testament to the power of cultural exchange and the importance of recognizing and appreciating Africa's immense contributions to the world at large.
Desmond John Beddy
The Africa Day Event Held in Halstenbek was a Huge Success
Africa Day Halstenbek
