Celebrating our vibrant African community

Sky’s the limit: Dr Michael Akindeju said the event will acknowledge the unique and diverse contributions local Africans make in Ballarat. Photo: FILE

THE Ballarat African Association is inviting the community to relax, mingle, groove, and share a meal at their Africa Day Dinner later this month.

To be held at the Buninyong Town Hall, BAA president Dr Michael Akindeju said the night will be uniquely vibrant, colourful, and energetic, with African food, music, and dancing.

However, the main aim of the evening is to champion the African community throughout the district and celebrate their achievements in a warm, welcoming party atmosphere.

“We will showcase some vital contributions from Africans in the Ballarat region, including but not limited to our contributions to the growing knowledge economy, our contributions in sports, health and allied care, and personal and protective services,” he said.

“People who have been contributing to the society at large will give testimonials, and those who can’t be there will send two-minute videos for us to play.

“We’ll also have businesses showcasing what they do. This way, we can share the contributions that Africans are making in Ballarat. The sky is the limit in what we can do.”

Officially, Africa Day will be recognised internationally on 25 May; the date when the Organisation of African Unity was founded in 1963.

The union has 55 member states, and 20 of them are represented throughout Ballarat’s population.

“The founding fathers recognised that freedom, equality, justice, and dignity are essential and cardinal for promoting stability for African nations and for those in diaspora,” Dr Akindeju said.

“This is also the cardinal messaging from the Ballarat African Association, whose objectives are to uplift and support Africans and their families in Ballarat and the region.”

The semi-formal Africa Day Dinner will be held on Saturday, 28 May from 5pm at the Buninyong Town Hall with a three-course meal, entertainment and raffle. Visit bit.ly/3k7NEFE for tickets.

Additionally, an online platform will allow participants to play for real money, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.