We started out the day with a lecture at SIT on immigration from Thiaroye (the area just outside the city of Dakar where we work at the school). He talked about how the ways in which immigration from Senegal to Europe have changed, the idealized prospects that Europe holds are still prominently held ideas in the community. For them, the danger of the trip is outweighed by the possibility of helping their families. He said that in Senegal, the young people are “alive physically but socially dying,” which speaks to this need to search for something better. This talk continues to fill in the picture on immigration in Senegal that we first got during our class this past semester.
What I found the most exciting was the Museum of Black Civilizations, a fairly new museum showcasing different black cultures, both through history and art. Our tour guide first led us through a section about the history of evolution and then influential black figures.
After that was the historical art pieces and then the contemporary art. Below are some of my favorites from all the artwork:
We also learned about both the histories of the Muslim and Christian faiths that are both present in Senegal, with about 95% Muslim and 5% Christian. It was interesting to be able to better contextualize some of the things we’ve talked about so far.
To end today’s post, here are some fun pictures of a few of the boys in their throne–one of the art pieces that you could sit in!
Rachel
Senegal: Culture and Service 
After writing my paper on the Museum of Black Civilizations, I was very excited that we would be visiting. I found the exhibits to be very interesting, and it was a clear example of the Senegalese strengths and abilities. In the future I hope it continues to grow and become a greater attraction.
Hayley
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