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Abidjan American Corner Hosts Thanksgiving Celebrations

On November 24, 2007, American Corner CIRES organized a program on Thanksgiving celebrations in the U.S. as part of its Perspective on America, a monthly program designed to give Ivorians the opportunity to learn more about the United States and practice their English. It is also a unique occasion for the American community to exchange views with Ivorians and share experiences about an aspect of American life.

The Director of the Mapoubi Ba Cultural project, Ms. Jewel Huligar, the guest speaker, talked about the Thanksgiving celebration in the United States. Ms. Huligar started by exploring the origins of Thanksgiving. She explained the role it played from the colonial era to the present time, and how it is diversely interpreted today. She also looked at similarities between Thanksgiving celebrations and some African and Ivorian festive events like Easter in the Baoule ethnic group and Tabaski in Muslim communities. The Director of American Culture, Mrs. Sharon White, gave opening remarks and contributed to the success of the program with a very nice Thanksgiving song which delighted the audience.

The Mapoubi Ba dancers favored the audience with a wonderful performance. Over 70 people attended the program, among which the Head of the English Department of the Teacher Training School of Cote d’Ivoire, doctors, graduate students, and professionals (all members of American Corner).