DeKalb — On Wednesday, Center for Black Studies Director Ajewole Duckett hosted and organized Diaspora Day to celebrate 100 years of Black history. 

Diaspora refers to the forced relocation of Africans from Africa to the Caribbean, South Central America and North America during the transatlantic slave trade. While Black History Month often highlights the achievements of African Americans, Duckett explained that these celebrations and the concept of diaspora are connected.

“The African diaspora is bigger than just African American culture,” Duckett said. “The African diaspora has influenced African American culture heavily, so this idea of pan-Africanism is a way to really focus on this idea of and global Blackness.” 

Duckett hoped the event would help people appreciate the beauty and customs of African culture.

“I hope that people recognize just how expansive African culture is and all of these African, Afro Caribbean and African American cultures play off one another to build something beautiful,” Duckett said.

Each of the tables featured information about African countries and customs, with some interactive elements such as pipe cleaner basket weaving, maraca painting and mask creation. Each activity corresponded to a country, and the significance behind the traditions was also explained.

For Tyra Hazziez, a senior theatre studies major, Diaspora Day served as a way to learn more about the African diaspora. 

“Doing some of the activities to just look and explore,” Hazziez said. “What brought me here is I’m a Black studies minor, and I’m looking to learn more about the African diaspora as a whole.” 

As more participants arrived to explore each table, the African drum workshop began. Smiles spread across the room as the singing and music filled the Capitol Room of the Holmes Student Center.

Tara Williams, a senior studying psychology, enjoyed the live drumming and attended to connect with the community. 

“I came to just experience the culture, really listen to music and vibe with the people,” Williams said. 

The Center for Black Studies will host a free “Night at the Movies” event from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Egyptian Theatre in downtown DeKalb for NIU students to enjoy. The doors open at 6 p.m., and students do not need to register for the event.