Social, political and economic difficulties in African countries will not improve until the issues receive support from the world community, said Leonard Robinson, president and chief executive officer of the National Summit on Africa.
“We live in a time of global interdependence and Africa cannot make it alone,” he said. “Africa needs all the friends it can get.”
More than 25 people listened to Robinson speak on the relationship between the United States and Africa on Friday night in the Union parlor rooms. His address was presented by African Student Union as part of Africa Culture Week, which took place Wednesday through Saturday.
Other celebratory events included a movie night, a storytelling workshop and a formal gala, featuring a cultural dinner, a fashion show and dancing.
Lanre Williams, organizing secretary for the group, said Robinson provides an objective perspective on African issues such as poverty, HIV/AIDS and debt relief.
“The leaders of our continent have been trying to solve its problems with a view that is much too close to see,” the psychology sophomore said.
During his speech, Robinson said the United States must take an active role in its foreign policy administration with Africa.
“The United States is the most powerful and prosperous nation in the world,” he said. “We have a moral obligation to assist the poor areas of the world.”
But Robinson said many Americans feel African issues are insignificant because of the continent’s depiction in the popular media.
Political and social problems in only about a dozen areas are often portrayed to take place in all of Africa’s 54 countries, he said.
Such an image makes it seem as though nothing can be done to help, Robinson said.
Indifference by American government to the plight of some African countries is unacceptable, Robinson said, especially when it comes to the continent’s AIDS pandemic.
“If something is not done about this, 40 percent of Africa’s population will expire within 10 to 20 years,” Robinson said.
But there is hope for Africa, said Robinson, who named Botswana, Mozambique, Uganda and Ghana as some of the fastest-growing prosperous countries in the world.
“I am optimistic that most of Africa will beat the odds,” he said.
Charles Ngowe, a member of the African Student Union advisory board, said his speech was excellent.
“He speaks the truth,” the graduate student said.
Ngowe said he hoped members of the audience - especially African Americans - received a message of solidarity from Robinson’s address.
“We need people who know American culture as well as African issues, then Africa will eventually be able to overcome political and economic issues,” he said. “It is imperative that African Americans realize that our strength is going to rely on our unity.”
