You're invited to experience African culture without leaving Greater Sudbury at the 20th edition of the African Cabaret this Saturday.
The gala event, put on by Contact interculturel francophone de Sudbury, gets underway starting at 6 p.m. on Feb. 9 at École secondaire Macdonald-Cartier.
It includes a buffet of African cuisine, a fashion show of African clothing and live entertainment by a band from West African seven-piece band Aces of Africa. A number of volunteers will also be presented with awards during the event.
The gala evening is normally held in November, but to mark its 20th anniversary, it was moved to February, which is Black History Month.
Organizer Gouled Hassan said Greater Sudbury has a small but vibrant community of Africans or those of African descent, numbering around 1,700 people.
When some people think of Africa, particularly those who dont' live there, negative images of famine and wars may come to mind, he said. But the African Cabaret celebrates the rich diversity of culture that exists in the continent of Africa. That's important in the age of nationalism, Trump and Brexit, Hassan said.
The event also shares that rich culture with the Greater Sudbury community at large, as anyone is welcome to attend the event, Hassan said.
“These kinds of events are important to celebrate diversity, and to create bridges and places where people can talk and feel confident they are surrounded by diversity and culture,” he said.
Tickets to the event cost $35 for adults, $25 for students and seniors and $10 for children.
They're available at Old Rock Coffee, the SGA office at Laurentian University, the AGEE at Collége Borèal, the international office at Cambrian College and by phone at 705-626-6299.
