The Brandeis African Students Organization (BASO) is enthusiastic to host a traditional, cultural, and educational event that highlights one of Africa’s staple foods, rice. Rice is an important crop in the continent as more than half of the countries in Africa cultivate rice. It is a staple food for millions of people across Africa, who feed their families with rice. Its significance has grown tremendously as it has surpassed from simply being a source of livelihood to a celebrated food. Rice is significant to innumerable cultures in which they have turned the crop into highly celebrated meals. There is great debate amongst the African diaspora about which country has the best rice dish, particularly Jollof rice. In this event, our goal is to host a “Rice War” where traditional rice dishes from various countries and regions will be contested. Our goal is not only to present these rice dishes but also to educate others about the dishes and the cultures from which they originate. This event is important to BASO and the Africans because it illuminates the significance of rice as a staple crop for Africans and commemorates how the many cultures represented have contributed to Africa’s extensive rice pallet.
