ASU Planning Wide ASU Planning Wide Array of Events
Vibrant rhythms of Africa where culture meets community. African Student Union (ASU) announced their upcoming event, ASU Music Night, happening on Oct. 11 at the Java Barn. As a longstanding St. Lawrence University tradition, this event brings together African students, African diaspora, and the broader SLU community. According to ASU President, Njeri Nganga ’27, it serves to connect the community and promote the organization.
ASU is a campus club that promotes awareness about African cultures, builds solidarity among African students on campus, and facilitates discussion between students, alumni and faculty. To broaden their impact, ASU Music Night is an opportunity for students to embrace music from all corners of Africa, such as Afrobeats, Amapiano and Ubongo, genres which have recently gained an outburst of global recognition. This event aims to celebrate the rich cultural diversity through a universal language everyone enjoys: music. It offers a unique opportunity for students and community members to connect through a fun, yet educational experience, learning about and appreciating new cultures.
According to Nganga, ASU is planning a woodburning and jewelry-making event as a collaboration with the Woodcarving Club in the first week of October. “One of our main goals this year is to collaborate with many other diverse clubs by sharing our culture and learn about theirs,” Nganga said. This perfectly aligns with ASU’s primary focus for the semester: expanding their presence both on campus and in the wider Canton community.
To achieve their mission in a holistic way, the club plans to collaborate with other diverse BIPOC clubs, such as Laurentians for Equity, Equality and Diversity (LEED), Habitat for Humanity, Campus Kitchens, CareFree Black Girls and I-House. One of Nganga’s initiatives is to introduce cross campus exchanges with universities nearby and amplify the impact of ASU’s values. Thus, through engaging all layers of culture, such as food, language, music and culture attire, ASU is continuously working towards their goal of bridging the gap between domestic and international students.
As students prepare to embark on their post-college journeys, ASU is working towards new initiatives, such as partnering with the Center for Career Excellence and introducing members to study abroad programs and future career opportunities within the African continent. To develop this idea the Executive Board of ASU is eager to explore projects such as engaging members in community service, that allow students of all cultures to work together for a common cause, fostering teamwork and friendship. ASU provides more than just a sense of community, it is creating a vision to support, empower and guide their members every step of the way.
“At the African Student Union, we believe that diversity is our strength. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, your presence enriches our community. We welcome everyone to join us, because together, we create a space where every voice is valued, and every culture celebrated,” Nganga said. Through versatile events, the club seeks to unite students, fostering enjoyment and learning. Thus, ASU strives to achieve a harmonious blend of cultural and educational enrichment for everyone.