The idea for “Africa Redefined,” the African Student Association banquet or AFSA, all started around this time last year. When I decided to run for the presidency I knew exactly what I wanted to do during my term. I just never realized how much work had to be done behind the scenes.
I have so much respect for past presidents that have managed to pull off planning for the banquet. During my freshman year it all looked so easy. The members of AFSA were numerous and had lots of ideas. This year, we had 12 members total that helped with the banquet. Starting the planning process was rough.
We decided to use “Africa Redefined” because I, along with members of AFSA, were tired of seeing the negative portrait in which Africa was painted. Instead of showing countries in Africa that are prospering, we see more of African children turned into child soldiers, for example. We wanted to show the beauty we see in Africa.
In order to showcase Africa in a positive light, we decided to address these stereotypes that are associated with Africa by having a three-part skit, fashion show, dances, and a speaker. These skits name, address and redefine the stereotypes.
In order to have this idea become a reality, we met every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday to learn four African dances: Le Kwa Ukwu from Nigeria, Gweta from Togo, Skelewu from Nigeria and Azonto from Ghana.
“Learning the dances was fun and a bit challenging to get everyone in sync,” said Karie Nwadike, Arts & Sciences junior and vice president of the African Student Association.
We had different committees that were all in charge of making this idea into a reality. We had a food committee, a dance committee, a clothing committee, a performance committee, a finance committee and a decorations committee.
The food committee was in charge of getting in contact with Marrakech Gourmet and negotiating with them. The dance committee was in charge of researching dances and teaching the other members the dances. The performance committee was in charge of writing our skits, the emcee scripts and putting together the program sheet. The decorations committee was in charge of creating centerpieces and setting the tables.
The members of AFSA and I worked hard but I think it was all worth it in the end because we persevered and made it through the night of our banquet. On the day of the banquet, it was very casual between the members and all worries were gone. It felt natural performing the dances, skits and the fashion show for our audiences that night.
“I can honestly say that this was the best banquet I had been to,” said Reverend Lamar Pringle, an audience member in the crowd.
Planning for this banquet began in January and lasted till the day of our banquet. Now that it’s over, I find myself looking for projects to start. I look forward to seeing what the next group of AFSA has in store next year.
Theresa Ibekwe, center, is the president of AFSA and has been planning the banquet since January.
Members of the AFSA dance during the banquet.
Members of the AFSA perform a dance while audience members look on.