Pictured Above: Face masks sewn by Felicity Tackey-Otoo
Call for Community News & More!
Dear CAS Affiliates,
We would like to hear what you are doing now that UF is a virtual university. Tell us more about how you have adjusted to teaching, research, and other responsibilities in a virtual setting.
Do you have any updates or professional insight into CV19 in Africa?
In line with social distancing, we are calling for you to #StayHomeStayGlobal. If you have suggestions for reading, listening, watching, or other forms of at-home entertainment that celebrate global cultures, please share them so we can too! Keep up to date by visiting our social media for suggestions.
If you have interesting news, updates, or other information to share please email ufcasbulletin@gmail.com.
CAS News Bulletin Care Package
Dance Gathering Lagos 2020
"We can't come together, but our ideas can."
Apr 18, 12:00 noon GMT+1 and Apr 19, 12:00 noon GMT+1
LIVE on QDanceCenter's YouTube Channel
Reflections on the time, with over 100 artists/ thinkers/ administrators/ dreamers/ healers/ technicians/ light bearers/ diviners collaborating across 50 cities globally, for a special danceGATHERING2020.
How do we dance together when our bodies are separated? New beginnings ask us to forget and re-examine. As some senses diminish perhaps others will intensify.
How do we collectively experiment with the emerging sensitivities that we can predict will begin to manifest to us? Can we enhance this experience together in an intentional way?
What if this end never ends ? How does the world breath again?
Making Masks for Gainesville:
An Interview with Felicity Tackey-Otoo
Why did you decide to make masks?
I saw there was a shortage of masks for health care workers and many were being asked to reuse masks because demand was so high. I know how to sew and have the materials, so I thought I could help by making face masks. My husband also helps with the masks! The masks I make primarily use 100% cotton African prints. I line the masks with two layers of fabric, and in some I include a filter insert for an extra layer of protection.
What has been your experience delivering and making masks?
I am primarily making masks to give to health workers in the area, but I have also distributed masks to senior citizens, store clerks, postal workers, and friends. I’ve also sent masks to nurses and doctors out of state--New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arkansas, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Illinois.
I have given masks to doctors and nurses at UF Health. A friend of mine sent me pre-cut fabric from the hospital and I sewed 20 pieces for the hospital using their own fabrics and accessories. Dr. Frieda Ansoanuur, Medical Doctor at UF Health, informed me that the masks were helpful in providing an extra layer of protection for her and her clients. Jean Melby (Nurse at UF Health, Springhill) said, “It has been such a pleasure having you as our patient and getting to know you. Now the tables have turned and you’re taking care of us- that is just the most wonderful thing. Thank you on behalf of all of our staff here in the clinic.”
Some of the fabric masks I made were given to the residents of a local independent living facility. A nurse who works at this facility informed me that the residents of the facility were grateful for the masks, reporting that wearing the masks made them feel safe. Some have placed orders for extra masks to pass out to their friends and family and some have given donations to purchase materials to sew additional masks.
I am happy that I can do my part to help the community. It’s been enjoyable seeing the excitement in people’s faces when they send me pictures of the masks being used and getting subsequent orders for more.
So far, my husband and I have given out about 150 pieces to the health workers and assisted living senior homes!
Are you taking orders?
Yes, people can order from me. They can contact the Center for African Studies (ufcasbulletin@gmail.com) or email me directly (fel586@live.com) to request a mask.
How has it been experiencing a pandemic as a Ghanaian in the US?
As a Ghanaian growing up in Ghana in a communal society and migrating to the US, it was very hard for me initially to live alone. Just like most people, I have never experienced a pandemic like this. Since I am now used to not living with many people in the same household, it’s easier to practice social distancing and staying home. I am checking up on family back home regularly now and encouraging them to keep safe and follow all protocols. We are all hoping this pandemic ends soon.
Iziko Museums of South Africa operates the premier public art and cultural destinations in Cape Town. This flagship heritage institution, manages 11 national museums; collection-specific libraries; a world-class Social History Archive and the most advanced digital Planetarium and Digital Dome on the African Continent.
We are pleased to provide you with content on our Watch + Listen page and look forward to a time when we can welcome you back to see them in person. We will offer a virtual Museum Nights experience this Thursday on Facebook and have created a weekly series Harn at Home so that you can have an art making activity at your fingertips.
Peace, Power and Prestige: Metal Arts in Africa
[Video Introduction by Susan Cooksey, Harn Curator of African Art] Peace, Power and Prestige explores the roles of metal objects in sustaining and enhancing life in African communities, while demonstrating the aesthetic and expressive power of metal arts.
Resources
UF Libraries Update
Click here to learn more about expanded resources made available through UF Libraries. UF users may need to log in through the VPN to access.
Hitchcock Field & Fork Pantry
The Hitchcock Field & Fork Pantry is still open and supporting the UF community, handing out to-go bags to support physical distancing. As of this week, you can order a custom bag of food online. Visit http://pantry.fieldandfork.ufl.edu/support/ to learn more.
Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program (CADFP)
DEADLINE: June 30, 2020 at 11:59 PM EDT
What is the CADFP?
The CADFP is a scholar exchange program for African higher education institutions to host a diaspora scholar for 14-90 days for projects in curriculum co-development, research collaboration and graduate student teaching and mentoring.
Scholars born in Africa, who live in the United States or Canada and work in an accredited college or university in either of those two countries, can apply online to be placed on a roster of candidates for a fellowship. Scholars must hold a terminal degree in their field and may hold any academic rank.
Scholars born in Africa, who live in the United States or Canada and work in an accredited college or university in either of those two countries, can apply online to be placed on a roster of candidates for a fellowship. Scholars must hold a terminal degree in their field and may hold any academic rank.
Center for African Studies Community News
Publications
Grillo, K., J. Dunne, F. Marshall, M. Prendergast, E. Casanova, A. Gidna, A. Janzen, Karega-Munene, J. Keute, A. Mabulla, P. Robertshaw, T. Gillard, C. Walton- Doyle, H. Whelton, K. Ryan, and R. Evershed. 2020. Molecular and isotopic evidence for milk, meat, and plants in prehistoric eastern African herder food systems. PNAS: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1920309117
Please send citations for your recently published articles, book chapters, book reviews, or op-ed pieces to ufcasbulletin@gmail.comfor their inclusion in the news bulletin.
Curated by Riley Ravary
Programs and Communications Officer
Center for African Studies, University of Florida
