The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s annual One World Cultural Festival will take place Saturday.
This year’s theme is “African Heritage from Around the Globe.” It is inspired by the mass dispersion of African natives during the transatlantic slave trade from the 1500s to the 1800s, when millions of people were displaced from Western and Central Africa and spread throughout the Americas and the Caribbean.
As a result, subcultural groups formed including Afro-Caribbeans, Afro-Latinas, and African-Americans. Though each culture adopted its own lifestyles and traditions, their native African roots are evident in various sectors within these cultures such as cuisine and clothing.
Festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Frame-Westerberg Commons. The event is free for Pitt-Bradford students with a suggested $5 donation for all other guests. Tickets are available at the event. Activities and entertainment continue until 9:30 p.m.
Among the plethora of acts scheduled, the Afropop Ensemble of the University of Pittsburgh will perform cultural music pieces.
The Afropop Ensemble fuses traditional African language and music with other genres to create an upbeat dance style. The group will include sub-Saharan, pop, R&B, jazz, Bollywood, and more sounds into their routine for the festival.
Prior to the Afropop performance, the Allegheny Mountain Cloggers, will contribute to the festival with rhythmic folk dance The Diamond Steppers will follow up with African-inspired choreography. An International Clothing Parade will display authentic African and Indian attire.
Along with exciting performances, there will be a variety of food tasting, displays, and booths with activities for all age groups.
Cultural cuisines include European, African, Asian, and Latin American. With vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available.
Activities include a henna table hosted by the Asian Culture Association; information on diversity, representation and inclusion; basket making with the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences; African artifacts and beading with the African-American Student Union; teaching ASL with the American Sign Language Club; “Dream Catchers around the World” with Habitat for Humanity; sushi making; and “Study Abroad and Vira I. Heinz Scholarships” with the office of Study Abroad.
The One World Cultural Festival is organized by the One World Cultural Festival Committee, which is composed of students, faculty and staff. Sponsors are the Student Government Association, Student Activities Council, Office of the President, Pitt-Bradford’s five academic divisions, academic affairs, student affairs, Metz Culinary Management and the Nontraditional Student Association.
For disability needs related to the festival, contact the Office of Disability Resources and Services at (814)362-7609 or clh71@pitt.edu.