Samuel M. Galler ’12 says that the event was intended both to commemorate the victims of the genocide and to begin a dialogue on campus about Rwanda. The organizers want to encourage students to explore the country’s culture and rich history in addition to the darker moments, Galler says.

“Juliet told me a lot of misconceptions about genocide,” says Shunella G. Lumas ’15, who is also a Crimson photo editor. “I think other people should also know the true story.”

Both Musabeyezu and Mutumwinka felt that the event gave students a glimpse of the reality of Rwanda and the country’s recent progress.

“I feel like it was a great platform to discuss many of the issues and misgivings that Harvard students have about Rwanda, a chance to inform everyone of the reality, or in this case, the actuality of our past, as well as the reality of our present, which contrary to popular belief is very incredible,” Musabeyezu says.

BEING RWANDAN

At a College with students from over eighty countries, Musabeyezu says that she feels a responsibility to represent Rwanda when she is far from home.

“Being Rwandan at Harvard involves reminding people about the presence of this country that many of them have never heard about,” Musabeyezu says.

For most of the year, Mutumwinka identifies primarily as African. But when it comes to the annual April commemoration of the genocide, she becomes Rwandan.

“Around times like April, I feel Rwandan because I feel sort of what my country is going through,” Mutumwinka says.

Both Musabeyezu and Mutumwinka said that April is not just a moment reflect on the horror faced by Rwanda, but also a time to look forward.

“Being a Rwandan at this point in time also involves deliberating what my role in country building is, and how to accomplish that effectively,” Musabeyezu says.

Mutumwinka says she is optimistic about Rwanda’s future.

“I see my country going places,” Mutumwinka says. “The young people are also very energetic and interested in making the country better. It’s the kind of country I want to go back and live in. I see a lot of potential.”

—Staff writer Laya Anasu can be reached at layaanasu@college.harvard.edu.