AfroFest: Students organize celebration of African Diaspora

The inaugural AfroFest brought speakers, workshops, and community exhibitions to campus in an effort to celebrate and examine the African Diaspora. The event–planned and hosted by students–had programming for both the upper and middle schools, getting the entire Beaver community involved.

AfroFest kicked off in the Upper School with programming at an US meeting. After an introduction from the team behind the event, Beaver parents Natacha Esterlin P’27 and Wendy Alexis Janvier P’28 spoke about Haitian culture and read Haitian folklore. For the keynote, students heard from SC Says—Andre Bradford—an award-winning Slam Poet, Author, and transformative artist. In addition to sharing some of his work, he talked to students about the importance of empathy and eliminating the stigma associated with mental health topics. The meeting concluded with a performance by Wyatt Jackson, an Emmy Award-winning dancer, recording artist, and actor. The interactive performance moved students and had the entire Upper School on their feet participating. “Our hearts are all the same, ” Jackson said.

Middle school students kicked off AfroFest with a keynote from Haus of Glitter during a MS meeting. Haus of Glitter introduced themselves and detailed their work, leading to a lesson on voguing that got several students out of their seats. Following their morning keynote, Haus of Glitter held a dance workshop for middle school students during recess, during which they taught students the art of the runway walk (per student request). MS faculty and students showed off their walks—first individually, then partnered up—and attendees left feeling “happy,” “invigorated,” “energized,” and “joyful.”

The spirit of AfroFest continued with Discovering Treasures of the Diaspora, a community exhibit in 245 Woodland highlighting the range of cultures reflected within Beaver’s community. The exhibit will remain open for all of February.