Nigerian Independence Day Feted at Gala

More than one hundred people celebrated Nigerian Independence Day at a colorful gala on Saturday night at Wasserstein Hall, where they dined on traditional meat dishes, showcased African garb, and listened to gospel tunes inspired by the culture of the West African nation.

“We plan these celebrations because it’s an opportunity to come together and celebrate, celebrate being alive, celebrate the triumphs of the past,” said Sheldon K. X. Reid '96, director of the Kuumba Singers of Harvard College, a choir that sang at the event. “Just to be in someone else’s space, culture, music, food, and to see the things that are important to them provides a larger lens for us to see ourselves.”

Event organizers said that they celebrated the holiday not only to encourage people to be proud of their own culture and traditions, but also to welcome and celebrate cultural similarities and differences.

The celebration, which was hosted by the Nigerian Students Association, included food from Nigeria and other African countries, such as jollof rice—a mix of rice, spices, tomatoes, onions, and meat—and suya—grilled meat covered in chili pepper.

Eden H. Girma ’18, who attended the event, said that she was excited to eat African food and engage in conversations with others about their backgrounds.

“It’s very cool for me to see the progression of Africa out of colonialism and the significance it had on people,” Girma said. “Being able to take pride in your heritage is awesome.”

Kuumba President Haven M. Jones ’15 added that “it’s also very neat to see the different ways that countries in Africa have shaped specific foods.”

“Being able to taste that and be a part of that in some way is very cool," she said.

Kuumba, which was founded by Harvard students to celebrate African American culture, performed two songs for the gala. The group has performed at the event for several years, according to Jones.

“The event is a chance for students of all backgrounds and throughout the African diaspora to come together and celebrate,” Jones said.

Kuumba performed one song, entitled “Be Like Him,” which follows the gospel tradition, according to Reid. The other song, “Spirit of the Lord,” is an energetic piece that comes from another Bible story.