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On May 17th, 2024, a vibrant energy filled the air at Johns Hopkins University as students from across all campuses gathered to celebrate their shared African heritage and forge a new path of collaboration. This historic event, Afro-Fusion, marked the first-ever gathering of its kind, culminating a year of dreaming and planning.
The vision for Afro-Fusion was born last summer, the brainchild of Laura M. Buhnange, Godson Ndubueze, Nelson Ndahiro, and re-ignited by Ezinne Eke Aso, Samuel Iheanyichukwu Onwubiko, Emmanuel Animashaun and Emmanuel Elorm Nortey-Adom. Their dream was not only to create a space for celebration but also to unite the diverse African student bodies across Johns Hopkins and amplify their collective voice. With the enthusiastic support of student leaders from various schools and student clubs, including the Africa Business Club, Africa Public Health Network, Student Assembly, SAIS Africa Club, African Students Association, Nigeria Students Association, Ethiopia Student Association, Ghana Student Association. And representatives from other African countries at Johns Hopkins, the School of Medicine and School of Nursing, this dream transformed into a reality.
Afro-Fusion was a night of handshakes, goodwill messages, awards, and shared toasts, signifying the beginning of a new era of unification. But its impact extended far beyond the event itself. It laid the groundwork for the upcoming African Week, a series of initiatives designed to showcase the collaborative spirit of the African community and bolster Africa’s presence across all campuses.
The mission of Afro-Fusion and the broader All Hopkins-African Initiatives Week is to expand Johns Hopkins University’s engagement with Africa through research, discovery, and education. By leveraging the diverse talents and perspectives within the community, the initiative aims to contribute to a sustainable and thriving Africa.
At the heart of Afro-Fusion was a celebration of the outstanding achievements of African students, recognizing those who have made significant contributions to their fields and communities. This spirit of mutual support and recognition underscores the collaborative nature of the initiative.
Afro-Fusion’s triumph was forged through the tireless dedication of a remarkable team. Spearheaded by Dr. Emmanuel Animashaun, the organizing committee—comprising Emmanuel Elorm Nortey-Adom, Iheanyichukwu Samuel Onwubiko, and Ezinne Eke Aso—worked tirelessly, their passion for uniting the African community infused into every facet of the event. Their efforts were amplified by the invaluable guidance of Esteemed student faculty advisors, Rebkha Atnafou MPH, Research Associate at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine & CEO R&D Associates, and Professor James R. Calvin, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. Their unwavering support helped transform the vision of Afro-Fusion into a resounding reality.
Afro-Fusion is more than just an event; it’s a movement. It represents a commitment to building a stronger, more interconnected African community within Johns Hopkins University. By celebrating shared heritage, fostering collaboration, and empowering future leaders, Afro-Fusion is poised to leave a lasting legacy.
The initiative has set a high bar for the future, with plans to expand its reach and impact. With continued engagement and support from the Hopkins community, Afro-Fusion and the All Hopkins-African Initiatives Week will undoubtedly contribute to a brighter future for Africa and its representation within the university.
As we look ahead, the message is clear: the spirit of unity ignited at Afro-Fusion is here to stay. Let’s maintain this momentum, embrace the rich diversity within our community, and work together to create a more inclusive and impactful environment for all.
