"Ask me what a Mzungu is." The phrase is one of the first things people see while walking into the I Love Africa marketplace.
Mzungu is a term of endearment that means "white face," according to a volunteer. The question was written on T-shirts and written on a small blackboard in white chalk. It seemed so out of place that people were drawn in to ask about the meaning behind the phrase.
I Love Africa had more than enough homemade novelties to go around. Fair trade wares created by more than 200 East African artisans were showcased at the annual marketplace at MOSI. There were thousands of traditional crafts, including holiday ornaments, clothing with intricate patterns, jewelry, wood carving, colorful purses, stationery, toy zebras and rhinos on wheels, and dolls with what felt like real hair braided on onto their little heads
One of the most interesting forms of art was Imigongo, an ancient art form that uses cow dung. The cow dung makes up the structure with mostly natural paints made from soil, sap, clay, mud and banana peels. In Rwanda whole houses are decorated with this unique art.
All Africa TrAid products are made using sustainable materials including: bone, cow horn, wood, soapstone, banana fibre, acholi (recycled magazines), coconut, recycled tin and scrap metal, textiles and repurposed glass. Guests wandered around in amazement at the talent that was displayed, wondering what must have gone into creating these works are art with nothing but recycled products.
Africa TrAid artisans are part of an economic development program that provides ongoing employment and training for men, women and children. With the income made from U.S. sales, artists have been able to buy land, livestock, food and medicine. Many have built homes and latrines and have been able to send their children, their siblings and themselves to school for the first time. The impact of one artisan earning a consistent income empowers an entire family to end the cycle of poverty brought on by the devastation of civil wars and famine.
Proceeds go toward improving literacy, health and hygiene, agricultural, artisan training, AIDS awareness and prevention, and empowerment for women and girls in Uganda
Anything that was purchased from the market will benefit Africa TrAid. This event is put together by One City Ministries, founded in 2008 by Mike and Deb Gilbert.
This article appears in Nov 14-20, 2013.