Published April 11, 2023
African Students Union: Let Your Heritage Shine!
Welcome to African Students Union!
Welcome, bienvenue, and marhabaan to the African Students Union (ASU)! If you’re searching for an organization on campus where you can let your African heritage shine or learn more about African cultures, ASU is the club for you.
ASU was founded just over a decade ago by African students at NYU. Today, ASU has over 400 members. Its mission is to promote cultural exchange and community. What’s more, all students, no matter their heritage, are welcome to join.
Keep scrolling to learn more!
The People You Meet
With the African Students Union, you have many opportunities to expand your cultural horizons even beyond the people you meet at ASU meetings and events. For example, ASU often has cross-collaborative events with the Black Student Union and the Caribbean Student Association. Plus, it has cross-school collaborations with the City University of New York, State University of New York, University of Pennsylvania, and Columbia University, to name a few. Oh, the people you will meet!
Cultural Events
Come together, dress up in traditional attire, and enjoy the live performances, dances, music, fashion shows, and delicious food! Usually, Africa Night has a commemorative theme. For example, Sesa, which means “transformation,” was a recent one. Click below to view the TikTok I filmed of the event for @MeetNYU!
@meetnyu African Student Union 💜💜 #cultureday #meetnyu #nyu #college #studentlife #fyp
Music, Karaoke, Dance Classes, and More!
Sing your heart out at the annual ASU Karaoke Night, which the Black Student Union (BSU) and the Center for Multicultural Education and Programs (CMEP) cohosts.
Throughout the years, the African Students Union has held events that feed your competitive spirit through games such as Song Association and Jeopardy.
Plus, if you are hoping to perfect you African dance moves (or learn some new ones), you can sign up for an Afrobeats dance class. You’ll learn some moves from NYU’s Afro Seke dance team or New York City choreographers. You might break a sweat, but at least you’ll listen to some great music while you’re at it!
Social, Cultural, and Political Discussions
Have you ever wanted to discuss what it’s like growing up African? Debate who is the best Afrobeats rising star? Connect with others on taboo topics in the African community? These types of conversations, and more, take place at various African Students Union events.
Why Join ASU?
Pourqoui pas! Why not! As a Cameroonian-American, I joined the African Students Union my first year at NYU. I was excited to dive deeper into my heritage and meet a diverse group of people along the way. Above all, ASU is more than just a club, it is a family. Thus, as you have learned from this article so far, many events offer delicious food and upbeat music. Plus, any event that has my favorites things—music, food, and people—is an event for me!
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