African Student Union holds welcome back social

By Detria Nelson
Daily Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer

Over 60 students came to enjoy a free night of pool, bowling and mingling for the African Student Union’s Welcome Back Social on Sept. 23.

This year the African Student Union is headed by a new president, Frank Oliver.

"The biggest change (I plan to make) to the African Student Union is to further promote unity and harmony," Oliver explained. "Unity and execution equals Black power."

"The benefit of coming to an event like this is being able to see the numbers,""Senior Quentin Brooks said. "It is also a good way to network and get inspired to keep trying."

The event also featured several other African organizations on campus. Among these were the Black Business Student Association, Black Psychology Student Association, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and the National Black Society of Engineers.

"I like events like this because you get to meet new people and learn about different social events on campus that affect the African community" Junior Ashley Stanton said.

A few fraternities and sororities also attended the social to show their support. The fraternities in attendance included Alpha Phi Alpha, Iota Phi Theta, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Phi Psi and Phi Beta Sigma.

"(Events liked this) permit a nice interaction of unity among Black people," Phi Beta Sigma member Jeroid Jordan said. "ASU (African Student Union) and the frat is there if ever you are in a rough situation."

The ladies also represented featuring a dynamic performance by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. This performance was just a taste of what is to come on Tuesday’s yard show. The Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated also greeted everyone.

As the night drew near an end Oliver delivered a motivational speech in which he focused on the dyer necessity of getting a degree.

"It is important to have a higher level of thinking and reach higher," Oliver said. "You must have a plan after you get a degree."

The night took a more historical turn as Jamaal Brown unveiled an African mural.

"It is important to have signs and symbols that represent the best of who you are," Brown said.

The students were definitely pleased with the night.

"I had a great time at the ASU welcome back social, I really enjoyed the free bowling, pool, and pizza," Jeannice Turner said. "I also liked the fact that I was able to meet and socialize with many African American CSULB students like myself who are in college furthering their education."

Although the social was promoted by the African Student Union, it was definitely a multicultural event.

"Anyone who understands the Black need for progress (may join ASU)," Oliver said.

"We believe in self determination for our own, and then we help others. All those with Black descent and feel oppression of what is to be Black may join."

This year the African Student Union is focusing on developing Black organizations within each major.

"We want to unite all Black organizations so that students have family to go to for mentoring and tutoring," ASU Vice President Zion Redie said.

The African Student Union is currently gearing up for the Black Consciousness Conference.

"Students can expect to hear an excellent group of speakers," ASU Sgt.of Arms Mekonnen Garedew said.

Elaine Brown and those who led the way during the 1960s and 1970s will be giving speeches and presentations informing students on what must do now to ensure a change.

There will be vendors at the conference selling those hard to find African items.

For more information about the Black Consciousness Conference stop by the Black Studies Department Office located on the third floor of the Psychology building, call (562) 985-4502.

The first general African Student Union meeting will be held on Oct.7 at 3:30 p.m. in the Multicultural Center.