Year Of Country Archives

During the Year of Senegal, the university explored this beautiful, culturally-rich country often referred to as the Gateway to Africa. Through tastings, dance, economics, music, history, and modern day traditions, the campus community experienced the impact of the Senegalese people on our own culture and the world.

The year was launched with a visit from Mossamba Diop, featured drummer for the Black Panther movie franchise - - whose energy and authentic abilities as the talking drummer from his Senegalese village resounded with and across the KSU campus.

Over the course of an entire year, we were immersed in Senegalese traditions and innovation. Programming featured world-reknowned Senegalese choreographers, performances, insights into economics and research from a Nobel Prize-affiliated lab, the history of the Dakar Rally, tastings, and speakers on subjects ranging from movement and healing to Black history.  And no one will forget the goats that visited both campuses, shedding some light into the importance of these animals on the livelihood of rural Senegal.  Senegal left a lasting impression on our hearts as a people of hospitality and rich traditions.  Teranga!

The Year of Greece happened during Greece’s Bicentennial Anniversary with a full program that featured the knowledge and expertise of our KSU faculty, staff, and students, as well as the large Greek-American communities of Atlanta, Georgia. Activities and events included the Olympic Movement, a Celebration of Stone Carving, a culinary display of Minoan Tastes, opera scenes from Greek Mythology and many more!

Additionally, faculty and students developed research teams, thought out the Year of Greece program with the Global Fellows and coordinated with campus-wide series to best represent this country throughout the year.

The Year of Morocco allowed students the opportunity to visit Morocco, experience its hospitality, and learn first-hand about what makes the country and its people unique. Themes like colonialism, conflict, identity, language, migration, development and sustainability were studied to bring awareness of and appreciation for Morocco. 

Events included a seminar abroad in Morocco that allowed deep study of various organizations, academic institutions, businesses, museums, and religious sites. Additionally, Kennesaw State hosted Innov Gnawa in Concert, a conference on "Gender, Identity, and Youth Empowerment", specialized coursework and learning modules, and in-depth experiences of Moroccan visual arts, food, and festivals.