By Jeremy Binnings
African Unity has been growing on campus for the past couple of years, entertaining students with countless events and shows.
The club has been one of the biggest growing clubs on campus, having begun in 2001. The club has been here for over twenty years with no sign of slowing down.
This past weekend, African Unity had an event titled “Mystic Night,” a show that consisted of performances from the dance clubs High Voltage and Spicy Island Tings, as well as a fashion show that showcased many student-made clothing brands.
“I always try to go and show support to whatever event the club puts on because of the creativity,” Jonathan Benjamin, a senior majoring in sociology, said. “I’ve been going to events since I was a freshman and each year the club has improved drastically in terms of how extravagant the events are. They get better every year.”
The club centers around African culture and was designed to give students from Africa a feel for their home and for others to learn more about the culture. Students from all walks of life are more than welcome to join the group and attend events.
Nicholas Cousins, a senior creative writing major, has also supported the club since his freshman year and enjoys what the club brings to campus life.
“African Unity has grown exponentially since I’ve come to the school,” Cousins said. “I remember the first time I went to an event, they had a bunch of games planned with prizes but what really stood out was the conversations within these events. I learned what the group was really about and I think it’s amazing how they support each other as well as the culture as a whole and I’ve gained a lot of knowledge from them.”
Bringing the best out in people and helping them leave their comfort zone is part of what makes African Unity unique. The club offers a platform for students to showcase their talents and reach new heights in their potential.
Students like Keyanna Kinbrough, a senior in digital media production, was one who never liked to stand in front of crowds although her talent was unquestionable.
“I like to look at myself as an artist and for the longest my anxiety had stopped me from putting my work out,” Kinbrough said. “I recently modeled for their latest event and it was one of the most memorable moments of my college career.”
Kinbrough makes paintings as well as clothes and tote bags and has began promoting it on my instagram. After hearing about the upcoming show, she knew it would be a good opportunity for exposure.
“Since the show, I’ve been meeting more people just like me who share the same creative drive and I definitely have to thank the club for giving me that opportunity,” Kinbrough said.
Hafsah Abdourahamane, a sophomore adolescent education major, joined the club in the fall of 2021 after finding out about it on Instagram.
“I first wanted to join as public relations,” Abdourahamane said. “I ended up as an intern and I’m still an intern. The best thing about being a part of AU is the team work in planning events, as well as teaching others about the African culture that they didn’t know before.”
