The Refractive Index

One ray in, a whole spectrum out.

In the science of optics, the refractive index is a measure of how much a material alters the speed and direction of light as it passes through. At the Refractive Index, we take the measure of how Africa refracts the world, one song, cloth, dish, and idea at a time.

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What the Baobabs Witnessed, What the Corals Record

At the Grand Mosque, Kilwa Kisiwani (October 2025) I am standing in the shade of...
Map of Africa with colorful data lines.

Anza! (Start)

The day has arrived: the Refracting Africa website is officially live! I have been dreaming...
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Interview on Build It Anyway Podcast

I can’t believe January is almost over! We are officially five months from the first...
Travel and Adventure Show logo in orange.

Live Event: Travel and Adventure Show

Can you believe we’re already two months into 2025? Time is flying, and the countdown...
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Post-Show Reflections: DC Travel & Adventure Show

Two days after the DC Travel & Adventure Show, and I’m still feeling incredibly proud...
Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat" poster.

Documentary Reflection: Soundtrack to Coup d’État

Last week I watched Soundtrack to Coup d’État, a powerful documentary sponsored by Jazz and...
Three colorful theater playbills on display.

New Season, New Site, and Three Incredible Shows

Hello hello, It’s been a little while, so first, thanks for your patience. I’ve been...
Vintage typewriter on a wooden desk.

Navigating Travel Policy Updates With Clarity and Confidence

Lately, there’s been a wave of headlines about a leaked U.S. government memo that includes...
Bus stop with people and surrounding hills.

From Mwanza to Zanzibar: Two Journeys, One Vision

Hello friends, So thrilled to announce the 2026 schedule! We’ve got two itineraries next year...