Umoja (Unity): Sustaining African Cultural Arts with Afua Kouyaté

A Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau Presentation

Explore the depth and significance of African culture, from its communal philosophies to its lively song and dance. In this interactive talk—part presentation and part performance—artist Afua Kouyaté shares pieces of African culture and folkloric traditions like the Nguzo Saba, or “seven principles,” of Kwanzaa, which include values like umoja (unity), ujima (collective responsibility), and nia (purpose).

Using the seven principles as a framework, Kouyaté tells the story of her life and of Africa’s rich culture to inspire you to root deeper through your own culture. In this talk, infused with cultural artifacts, music, and dance, Kouyaté brings people together through the sharing and celebration of cultural arts and traditions.

Afua Kouyaté (she/her) is a performing and teaching artist who specializes in cultural arts leadership with an emphasis on therapeutic engagement. She is the co-founder of Kouyaté Arts, an organization dedicated to the arts, music, dance, culture, and life of the people of West Africa. As the executive director of Adefua Cultural Education Workshop, she is dedicated to community and viewed as a leader in the cultural arts sector.

Kouyaté lives in Seattle.