Celebrate Africa & the Diaspora

The Multicultural Family Center (MFC) will host the 9th annual “Celebrate Africa & the Diaspora” cultural event on Saturday, April 13, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.   Diaspora is the dispersion or spread of a people from their original homeland to other countries.  The event is all-inclusive, free, family-friendly and will take place at the MFC, 1157 Central Avenue in Dubuque, Iowa.

Event committee members include students, faculty, board members and employees from University of Dubuque, Clarke University, Loras College, City of Dubuque and the MFC.

“The committee is excited for this year’s event featuring local community members, entertainment from Chicago, chicken from Frannie’s BBQ in Dubuque and West African food this year.  All community members are welcome and encouraged to attend,” said Sarah Petersen, MFC Assistant Director. 

The African food will be prepared by Obaapa’s Kitchen, traveling from Chicago. The cuisine is rooted in Ghana, and the variety of dishes being offered will give participants a taste of what Ghana has to offer.  Obaapa Kitchen was founded by Evelyn Asante and Abena Dankwa, the mother and cousin of Brigette Kyei-Nimakoh.  Brigette is an employee at the University of Dubuque and a member of the event committee. “My mother and cousins are so excited to be present for this special event and to share part of our culture with the Dubuque area,” said Brigette.  

Performances at the event include a fashion show, poetry, Capoeira martial arts, African music, drumming, and dancing.  Attendees can also visit cultural and resource booths as well as an African educational display. 

For more information, please contact Sarah Petersen, Assistant Director, Multicultural Family Center at 563-690-6042 or visit the website at mfcdbq.org.

Our Mission
The Multicultural Family Center (MFC) empowers all families of Dubuque to reach their potential and build unity through diversity, equity, and inclusion.