Culture is simultaneously static and dynamic. The core values of culture, and the historical elements of food, clothing, and history telling do not change. However, environments change, technology changes societal habits, and generations displaced by migration and immersion in a larger culture will influence one’s culture.
The preservation of West African culture and value is at risk with each generation born outside of Africa and immersed in a large, diversified culture such as in Minnesota.
Our Symposium on Culture is part of the effort to preserve, promote and nurture cultural transference from generation to generation. In 2023, we will follow up with a Youth Forum that builds upon the discussions and questions from the 2022 Symposium.