February is Black History Month, and library-goers got a chance to learn a little bit about African history and culture at an event this weekend.
Beni Rene from Madagasca spoke about the vast continent and its many languages and customs as part of A Celebration of African Cultures at Nanaimo Harbourfront Library on Saturday, Feb. 8.
"Madagascar's culture is very diverse, too," said Rene. "It's an island and [has] a different language called Malagasy … there's some similarities in the African culture too, with the music and food, because the history of Madagascar is the immigrants from Africa from thousands of years ago settled on the island, and then mixed with culture from other places."
His presentation revolved around music and Rene had instruments on display including a number of drums, and noted that the design of the djembe (drum) differs from one place to the next.
This weekend's event was presented by Vancouver Island Regional Library, Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society and Crimson Coast Dance Society. Sarah van Mook, librarian, Jansait Qughondouqa, multicultural society community engagement lead, and Holly Bright, Cromson Coast Dance artistic director, were all happy to team up for what they called an inclusive event.
