On Wednesday October 30th, the Miller Institute for Global Education hosted their Panamanian Culture Day at the Brenau University’s Hosch Theatre. This year’s theme “From Roots to Rhythm” brought together students from different backgrounds to celebrate the country’s rich African heritage with commemorative dancing, and reflecting on the past in order to inspire a brighter future.
Dr. Whitney McDowell-Robinson, the vice president for student development and engagement opened up the event with a remark reflecting on the university and Brenau’s ideals.
“Events like this provide a platform for students to express themselves, share their unique culture, and inspire change,” she said.
Other speakers included Dr. David Barnett the president of Brenau , Rosi Ponce the executive director for global education at the Miller Institute, and two Brenau students who shared their motivation behind organizing a project called Christmas in Capeti , a community service proposal, by reflecting on their own personal backgrounds.
One of the students, Xavier Bosso said that this event served as a way to support the community that raised him.
“The reason why we want to celebrate Christmas in the Capeti community is because the children of this community haven’t celebrated Christmas for almost six years (…). For this reason we want to bring joy by bringing gifts to this community,”Aldano Mepaquito, a member of the Capeti community and Brenau student said.
The show began with a dramatization of African ancestors embracing their culture before the Spanish forcibly brought them to America. Ann Almengor, a Panamanian student that arrived in 2021, shared the history of slavery in Panama and how they broke free by finding ways to preserve their culture, creating a way for Congo culture to emerge. This was illustrated by the next two dances, one performed by Xavier Basso and Genesis Muñoz, and the other by Juan Diego Caicedo and Patricia Muñoz who represented the Congo Queen and King.
Ponce shared more details about Panama’s diverse culture by reflecting on the history of Panama, the distinct labor movements organized by AfroPanamians, and how the growth of Panama’s diverse and expansive culture continues to grow.
“The youth, our youth ensures a brighter future as they blur the old lines of discrimination that existed in the past,” she said.
The ceremony concluded with a raffle drawing where twelve lucky winners were selected and an invitation for guests to join the dance on stage. You can watch the event through this link.
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