By: Emeka U.M. Akonu Jnr.

The continent of Africa and the Caribbean Islands are made up of diverse ethnic groups and cultures with each of the group holding its own unique set of beliefs and traditions dating back before the European rule in Africa.

With encouragement from the Durham College International Office, I set out to organize an African and Caribbean Cultural showcase for the students of Durham College and UOIT. My fellow student mentors and I, along with help from African and Caribbean students made it a great day, with everyone coming out in full unity to participate in the showcase. Students from different roots were present and showed their involvement, making new friends, seeing our great displays and talents. People came away understanding more about other cultures. It was a day of learning outside the classroom.

Personally I became knowledgeable and aware of how the Caribbean Islands population originated, which was when the Africans were brought in as slaves from Ghana, Chad, Mali, Cameroon and many more African countries to do work on the islands and plantations before slavery was abolished in 1833. It was such an interesting event and a day of unity on campus. My fellow countrymen and women were funny, dressed in their gorgeous clothes from their homelands and showed much love for one another.

So I hope this will not be the last time this event held or my fellow African and Caribbean people participate in such a great day. Let us always remember our roots and keep the flag flying high, like we all know there is no place like home. We are each gifted in a unique and significant way, it is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own individual light.