Promoting the emancipatory potential of cultural expression

The African Voices Festival, held on June 6 at Panteion University, was a vibrant celebration of the African diaspora in Greece and a poignant revelation of the community's struggles.

Arriving at the campus just off Athens' central Syngrou Avenue, attendees were greeted by Afrobeat music, creating an inviting atmosphere for community members, university students, and others who gathered to hear from the scheduled speakers.

The lineup of speakers included the founders of the ANASA cultural center for African arts Michael Afolayan and Nikodimos-Maina Kinyua, Panteion University's Anthropology Chair Gerasimos Makris, social anthropology student Vasiliki Mavridi and performer Grace Nwoke. Each speaker shared their unique experiences in Greece, explored the legal and social challenges confronting the African diaspora, and highlighted the critical importance of expanding...