RADFORD -- The African Cultures Festival begins September 4 at Radford University. A variety of educational and entertaining events are planned through November, including lectures, films, dance performances and a children’s festival. The RU Planetarium will host “Skywatchers of Africa” from the Adler Museum Planetarium in Chicago, a show that takes the viewer across the African continent to see how the sky has impacted African societies.

The festival is a collaborative effort among RU faculty and students to share the customs, traditions and history of African culture. Everyone is invited to attend and can join the RU community free of charge at the following events (See poster for more information):

• Sept. 4, 11 AM - 1 PM, Sept. 5, 5:30 - 7:30 PM (Peters B112)
  Dance Master Class with Guest Artist Sherone Price
  Faculty, staff, students, and community members are invited to participate in a Master Class with Sherone Price. Mr. Price’s expertise includes West African Dance and Modern Dance. Classes will concentrate on West African Dance.
• Sept. 6, 7:30 PM (Albig Studio Theater, Peters Hall)
  West African Lecture/Demonstration Performance by Sherone Price and Atiba Rorie
• Sept. 19, 7-9 PM (Cook 107)
  Lecture: “Darfur: Is that in Africa?” by Samual Olorounto
• Oct. 4 - 5, 8 PM; Oct. 6, 2 PM (Bondurant Auditorium, Preston Hall)
  Department of Dance Fall Dance Fest featuring the work of guest artist Sherone Price
• Nov. 1, 5:30 - 7 PM (Cook 107)
  Lecture: “The Culture of Teaching and Learning in Malawi” by Virginia Tech faculty Josiah Tlou and Patricia Proudfoot Kelly
• Oct. 11: 4:30 PM (Heth Lounge B)
  Information Session: “RU Study Abroad Programs in Africa.” Learn about Study Abroad opportunities in South Africa and Malawi.
• Oct. 20, 10 AM - 2 PM (Heth Lounges A,B,C)
  Children’s African Festival: Please join us for a fun-filled day exploring African cultures and traditions as they relate to children. From storytelling and puppetry to drumming and painting, children of all ages will enjoy this lively, educational festival.
• Oct. 24, 7 - 9 PM (Bonnie Hurlburt Auditorium)
  Film: “Black Gold.” Documentary filmmakers trace the path of the coffee we consume each day to the farmers who produce the beans. It’s an eye-opening exposé of the realities of coffee farming in Ethiopia.
• Oct. 30, 5 PM (Heth Lounge B)
  Information Session: “RU Study Abroad Programs in Africa.” Learn about Study Abroad opportunities in South Africa and Malawi.
• Nov. 7, 7 - 9 PM (Bonnie Hurlburt Auditorium)
  Film: ”Fathers.” A compilation of three films in one, which depict the relationships between fathers and their children in diverse African families.
• Nov., Date and Time TBA (Heth Ballroom)
  Music Department Guest Artists Mike Williams and Sandy Blocker
• Throughout Fall 2007
  “Skywatchers of Africa,” a show from the Adler Museum Planetarium in Chicago. Hosted by the RU Planetarium. The Dogon people of Mali,  the nomadic Tuareg, and ancient Egyptians are a sample of the cultures highlighted in this beautiful, enlightening show. To learn more about the program, contact Dr. Rhett Hermann at (540) 831-5441 or visit http://planetarium.radford.edu.

The African Cultures Festival is sponsored by the McGlothlin Family Endowment and the RU International Education Center. To learn more, contact the International Education Center at (540) 831-6200 or e-mail Teresa Dalton at tunderwo@radford.edu or Teresa O’Bannon at (540) 831-7722, tobannon@radford.edu.