Celebrating Africa in Brixton
An evening of delighting in both meaningful conversation on diversity and favourful cuisine from African countries.
With aims to foster a stronger, more inclusive community for all, Brixton Light Festival recently played host to a remarkable event – the Feast of the Nations Africa Day Dinner.
It was an evening of conversation, exchange, and cultural celebration that brought together African migrants who reside in Brixton, providing them with a safe space to share their stories, traditions, and experiences.
The concept behind the event was simple yet powerful – each attendee brought food from their native country, creating a diverse and vibrant culinary experience. As the tantalising aromas of various African cuisines wafted through the venue, conversations ignited, and connections were forged. This unique gathering allowed these residents to engage openly, sharing aspects of their culture and everyday lives without fear of judgement or misunderstanding.
One attendee, Faswillah Nattabi, expressed the significance of such a gathering. “The reason that this space is so important is because the only time I and many other immigrants, speak about our experiences as immigrants is to lawyers in a plea for some help with my documents,” said Nattabi.
“This has unfortunately cast a negative lens on my experience as an immigrant. Therefore, it was more than pleasurable to engage in conversations about even the mundane experiences in a space that was not under the surveillance of an outsider’s gaze, either waiting to invalidate or to pity your experiences.”
The feedback from participants was said to have been overwhelmingly positive, as it highlighted the sense of belonging and community fostered during the event. The Feast of the Nations Africa Day Dinner provided a platform for them to reclaim their narratives and celebrate the rich tapestry of African culture present within this community.
Related Article:
