Mercedes Cevallos/ Contributing Writer
news@fiusm.com
A recognized Ivy League journalist will come to the University for a presentation.
Howard W. French, associate professor at the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University, will present his most recent book, “China’s Second Continent: How a Million Migrants are Building a New Empire in Africa.”
French will speak about the changes that have been happening in Africa in the last two decades, as well as the intercontinental migration of individuals of Chinese citizens to the continent.
It appears that members of the Chinese population have had a hand in helping secure different ventures in Africa.
The purpose of the movement of Chinese people was to establish business and construction companies, as well as mining and lodging companies that have helped to shape Africa in the process of economic growth.
The talk will also examine the business relationship between Africa and China.
Jean Muteba Rahier, director of the School of International and Public Affairs’ African & African Diaspora Studies Program, believes this presentation will be a good thing for the University.
“The intervention of Chinese citizens in Africa liberal states is going to have a positive impact in the economy of the continent,” Rahier said, “…This is a migration of liberal Chinese investors.”
According to Rahier, French will take the audience through his book to different countries of Africa, where Chinese traders, farmers and entrepreneurs share their experience as settlers and their reasons as to why they made the decision to migrate to the African continent.
At the talk, French will explain his perspectives and knowledge about the topic that, according to Rahier, will result in big social and cultural changes.
Victor Gonzalez, a graduate student at the University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communications, is excited to hear about the impact of migrants.
His interest, however, is in the migration pattern to the United States.
“We are not only going to see economic changes in the African continent,” Gonzalez said, “But we are also going to be witnesses to the cultural challenges that both countries are facing now.”
Rahier believes that students interested in African studies should know about what he termed, “the fastest economic growth in Africa.”
In addition to Gonzalez, other students shared their thoughts on the lecture.
Elena Barriga, a senior majoring in business, agrees with Rahier and thinks that this topic is important for her major.
“I think that, for a business student, it is very important to pay attention to the economic changes in Africa as a consequence of Chinese investments,” she said.
The event is co-sponsored by the AADS and Asian Studies Program, as part of the Ruth K. and Shepard Broad Distinguished Lecture Series of the School of International and Public Affairs.
It will be held on March 18 at the Modesto A. Maidique Campus MARC Pavillion at 2 p.m.
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