Photo Feature: West African Heritage at “Akoma”

Last Sunday, Oct. 16, Lawrence International’s annual Ethnic Dinner “Akoma” brought not only the taste, but also the music and aesthetics of West African countries to Appleton. Hugely popular just like the Ethnic Dinner of the previous years, the event drew students, faculty and staff members, as well as many members from the greater Fox Valley community to our campus to celebrate the West African heritage. Guests enjoyed a meal featuring Nigerian, Senegalese and Ghanaian cuisine, music performances as well as informative presentations about Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Senegal and Ghana. The night is an important reminder of the vibrancy and diversity of the African continent, with 54 vastly different countries. The West African countries featured are only a few amongst many rich and beautiful African cultures, and we hope to learn more about many more in the future.


Photos by Billy Liu

Junior Maamie Appiah presents about Ghanaian culture.
Junior Maamie Appiah presents about Ghanaian culture.
Students, staff and members of the community enjoy the music performance.
Students, staff and members of the community enjoy the music performance.
Senior Torrey Smith plays the kora, a popular West African instrument.
Senior Torrey Smith plays the kora, a popular West African instrument.