Accounting senior Elexis Grimes is a member of Kongamano, a group of students who explore African culture. She said she was inspired to be a member of Kongamano after she went to Tanzania as part of an internship. From her time in Tanzania, Grimes said she has seen the good and bad sides of Africa.

“I didn’t know a lot about the culture of Africa or political affairs so being able to and surround myself with diverse people, learn about the culture of Africa and different areas is really nice,” Grimes said. “A lot of people, when they study abroad, they only go through the tourist areas but I got to go to everything. I was able to travel a lot within the country and really connect with the different people, using their language, pushing myself out of my comfort zone and realizing some of their values and why they have them.”

Grimes said her time abroad made her want to help others experience African culture. Taste of Africa was designed to give students a hands-on experience.

Students rolled balls of dough, chopped food and prepared to make their masterpieces. Some authentic African foods made included chapati, mandazi, ugali, jollof rice and fufu.

MSU alumnus Srikanth Ramani graduated in 2008 with an undergraduate degree in finance and a master’s degree in accounting. Ramani grew up in Nigeria for 15 years before coming to MSU. He said he happened to be visiting the same time Africa Week was taking place.

“I figured why not meet other Africans as well?,” Ramani said. “I might give it (cooking) a shot, but I am a vegetarian so I have to cook something that I can eat as well, but this seems pretty easy to do so I will give it a shot.”

Ramani said MSU did a great job of making him feel at home, despite being so far away.

“It was different at first,” Ramani said. “At home you are with your parents and then you come to the US and you are all independent. When you come to campus you have to fend for yourself.”