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February 8, 2006

Same Race, Different Continents

Symposium highlights similarities between Africans and African-Americans

Story by: I’sha Gaines

The Shorthorn staff

The Shorthorn: Mark Roberts

Political science junior Apuk Ayuel discusses the relationship between African-Americans and Africans on Tuesday in the University Center Rosebud Theatre. Ayuel was one of several speakers during a student symposium titled “Africans and African-Americans in the 21st Century.”

When Apuk Ayuel came to Texas from Africa, she was surprised when she was asked if Africans live in trees and run around naked.

The Africa Program held a symposium called “Africans and African-Americans in the 21st Century” and discussed the relationship between Africans and African-Americans. The program featured five undergraduate and graduate panel speakers.

Ayuel, a political science junior, said she thinks many of the stereotypes stem from the media and African-Americans’ lack of education about Africa. She said that even though there is some truth to the perceptions, Africa has more to offer and that a better image would prevent the prejudices.

“African-Americans don’t have a clear picture about Africa,” she said. “They need to look beyond what the media says or displays.”

Ayuel said that when she moved to Texas, she was subjected to the same racism that African-Americans face from Americans. She said that in Sudan where she lived, they did not face racism. She also said she is offended when Americans call her an African-American in an attempt to identify with her.

“I see no initiative for African-Americans to associate themselves with Africa,” she said. “If the image of Africa is changed, it would change the reality here.”

Andrea Lemus, social work graduate student and symposium speaker, agrees with Ayuel. She said communication is the key to improving the relationship between Africans and African-Americans and that they should embrace each other’s uniqueness by focusing on the depth of the culture and not the surface.

“Those born in Africa have the responsibility and burden to share our culture,” she said.

History associate professor Sonya Ramsey said African-Americans see Africans in a different social class. Dr. Ramsey said African-Americans think Africans are more academically prepared and that Africans look down on African-Americans. She said this division is preventing them from seeing the similarities between them.

“There are more commonalities than differences,” she said.

Abbey Fasoro, mechanical engineering graduate student and symposium speaker, said the groups have fought to celebrate Black History Month. He said Black History Month should celebrate black leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Frederick Douglass. He said the purpose of this month is to remove the ignorance associated with Black History and appreciate both cultures’ contributions.

“People believe that we come from the jungle,” he said. “Truth is, not all that comes from Africa is bad.”

Correction

The article should have stated that political science junior Apuk Ayuel said African-Americans and Africans have a false perception of each other’s culture due to stereotyping from the media and lack of knowledge.

The article should have also stated that Ayuel said, “In Sudan, we faced ethnic discrimination that is parallel to the African-American experience, although in most African countries they have not experienced any racism.”

The article should have also stated that Ayuel said, “I see no incentive for African-Americans to associate themselves with Africa.”

The article should have also stated that Ayuel said Africans in general are offended when they are called African-Americans because African-Americans cling to their American roots.