Celebrate! Students Honor African American Culture
Published: April 13, 2021
In honor of Black History Month, the African American Student Union (AASU) on the Greenville College campus arranged a full schedule of exciting events for the student body. The AASU, which became an official chartered club in November 2009, seeks to involve the campus in celebrating and participating in African American culture and history. The club also hopes to bring awareness to both the administration and faculty regarding issues facing African American students.
During each week of February, the AASU arranged multiple activities designed to introduce GC students to the many aspects of African American heritage. The first week, the AASU offered a free viewing of the movie Mississippi Burning at the Globe Theater. This 1988 film is centered around two FBI agents that investigate the murder of two civil rights workers, while attempting to overcome social alliances in a small Southern town where segregation separates black and white.
Week two celebrated two African American heroes; Martin Luther King Jr., and the mouthwatering cuisine affectionately called "Soul Food." The AASU presented Black in America, a 2008 documentary that explores previously unknown details of the King assassination. Food for the evening included such delicacies as fried chicken, ham, corn bread, sweet potato pie, and sweet tea.
The third week had many exciting items on the agenda. On February 14th, the AASU held Cupid's Valentine Day Bash, celebrating the day of love with dancing, food and fun. Also during this week, the AASU presented a Soulful Reenactment, a night of soulful skits that promised to be one of the most memorable events that Greenville College has ever seen. Following this event, the AASU, in partnership with the Intercultural Activities Board, offered the First Annual Step Show to expose GC students to the dance traditions of the African American culture.
The final week is scheduled to send Black History Month out with a bang. On February 22nd, there will be a Gospel Expo in Whitlock Music Center at 7 p.m. to celebrate the unique and joyous style of African American music. Also, the AASU will be presenting a panel discussion of African American alumni who will address the ways in which their experience at Greenville College prepared them for the workforce. This event will be held on February 24th at 7 p.m. in the Upper Union. To close out the final week, the AASU will be hosting a Poetry Slam and Coffee event. The date and location for this event is TBD.
All students on campus are encouraged to participate in AASU. Meetings are held at 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday evenings, in the GCSA conference room.
For more information about contact media@greenville.edu.
