Wednesday, Aug. 27, the African American Cultural Center (AACC) welcomed new students and old into the building that has become a second home to most of N.C. State’s African American population. This open house introduced students to the vibrant, active cultural side of African American campus life. Not only did students meet faculty members, but they also became acquainted with committed students, as the presidents of several different organizations lined the floor of the stage in the Washington Sankofa Room in Witherspoon.
Amber Carr, a senior in applied sociology said “I was happy to see a lot of N.C. State faculty present at this event” mentioning how students could now know the faces of many of the faculty in higher positions on campus.
Campus involvement seemed to be the focus of the night. The presidents and faculty members introduced themselves to the audience and offered a helping hand while encouraging their fellow classmates to get involved.
Lucy Muhirwa a junior in biochemistry gave a riveting call to action speech challenging students to “dream big” and to support the African American organizations on campus. As the message of involvement swept through the room, students looked towards the arts with a performance by DanceVisions and a fashion show of African attire modeled by the African Student Union (ASU). The event turned out to be a huge success. The room was packed full of students and faculty members awaiting a chance to begin a new year of programs and presentations in a newly remodeled room.
“We (ASU) were very proud to be a part of it. The African American Cultural Center has grown over the years and has become a large part of our campus” said Segen Fishastion a senior in international relations.
In the past the cultural center has held a reception but this is the first year there has held been a formal open house.
“The open house was a wonderful opportunity for students to see some of the faculty and network with them as well as become more informed about the African American Cultural Center” said Carmesia Lowery a junior in psychology.
Mistress of Ceremonies Tensie Taylor a senior in communication said “I feel it went very well and there were more people than I anticipated. I hope in the future we can get more people involved.”
This year, the cultural center’s theme is “The Politics of Race, Gender and Class.” Students can find out what programs are going on at the center by stopping by on the third floor of Witherspoon Student Center.
