Fresno City College will be hosting the Africa tent celebration from on Feb 28 and 29, the first of its kind in this area.
Modeled after the tent-based booths at the 2007 United states Social Forum, the Africa tent will consist of many large open tents connected to link the activities while allowing each to function independently.
Dr. Jean Kennedy, instuctor of Women’s Studies said the tents support “vision and safety beyond skin color.”
Kennedy thinks will benefit “our conservative campus.”
A variety of events will take place during the two days of the tent clebrations.
“This is a learning environment. This is when they [students] ask ‘Why is injustice there?’ It makes a connection,” said Kennedy.
On Feb 28, activities will focus on learning, with many activist groups from the community invited and several instructors holding class under the tent. Among the activities, a speaker will discuss drumming as an instrument for healing; drum owners are encouraged to bring their drums for a drum circle.
“This tent will focus on representing some of the major issues and movements that unite people around common issues,” Kennedy said.
On Feb 29, the tent will host a celebration of of iconic musician Bob Marley’s birthday and his ideal of one love. Paticipants are encouraged to wear Marley shirts. The One Love celebration will recognize many icons, and feature food, music, and vendors.
Concerned that people might dismiss this as an “African American” event, Dr. Kennedy stressed that all are invited. The tent will have sections featuring students’ artwork and anoher where guests can express themselves. Kennedy said, “We want to draw the students to hang out at the tent.”
Dr. Kennedy said she had been inspired after attending the U.S. social forum, and witnessed the involvement of young people. She found the attiudes of the high school and college students she met very uplifting. Those young people had eagerly came from all over the country, anyway they could.
Kennedy said that some had gone to such great lengths to attend the forum, they had no way of getting back home and put together a wall covered by postcards proclaiming, “I need a ride back.”
The forum ran from June 27 to July 1, 2007 in Atlanta, Ga. and was accessible 24 hours a day.
Stranded on the grounds after missing the last subway one night, Kennedy was encouraged by the atmosphere of safety the event fostered. She found a place in the grass and slept, alongside many others.
She hopes the FCC tent creates a sense of unity.