Egyptian entrepreneur Momen Talosh has created a mobile app to help promote the use of languages as a way for Nubians and non-Nubians to learn about the region’s cultural heritage.
The young software programmer recently launched his Nubi app after noticing many young Nubian natives did not know their cultural language.
”I was once sitting with my young cousin and he was holding his tablet,” he said. “I was trying to teach him some Nubian words, but he did not pay much attention to me. He was concentrating on things he was doing on his tablet. At that moment, I decided to launch a mobile application that can teach Nubian to as many young people as possible.
”The application will allow Nubians and non-Nubians to buy Nubian products online, book hotels and restaurants online,” Talosh said. “Nubia has a culture of its own. We are trying to keep this culture alive. You cannot find anything like it in any other place of the world. And we Nubians have to preserve that culture and heritage and spread them.”
Human Rights Watch Appoints New Head of Africa Division
Human Rights Watch (HRW), an American-founded international organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights, recently appointed a new executive director of its Africa division.
Mausi Segun began working at HRW in 2013 as senior researcher for Nigeria and conducted many field investigations, writing numerous reports and articles for outlets including CNN, Al Jazeera and the New York Times on issues such as children’s rights and the Boko Haram.
“Mausi Segun brings a rich and varied background to the position of Africa division executive director,” said Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch. “Mausi’s expertise and understanding of the complexity of human rights issues in Africa comes at a time of considerable turmoil on the continent.”
Fashion Gala to Pay Homage to Black Culture
This year’s Fashion Legacy Association for Industry Recognition’s (FLAIR, Inc.) two-day fashion extravaganza will showcase emerging and prominent black designers and offer mentoring and scholarships to up-and-coming fashion and design students.
In partnership with the Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (LATTC), the July 21-22 event will also celebrate the legacy of the Ebony Fashion Fair, the first runway to showcase women of color, and highlight individuals who’ve made fashionable impacts on pop culture.
This year’s honorees include actor Richard Roundtree (“Being Mary Jane” and “Shaft”) and Pat Cleveland, one of the first black supermodels.
“LATTC has proudly served fashion students for more than 92 years and provides training for more than 2,500 students in our fashion design/merchandising programs,” said Carole Anderson, the college’s chair of design and media arts. “This charitable event will generate financial support for students and provide a high-profile showcase of their talents and training.”