AASO kicks off Spring semester with nod to Harlem Renaissance

The African American Student Organization is starting off the spring semester with a bang, and their annual Africa Week, from Monday, Feb. 11 to Sunday, Feb. 17.

This year AASO chose the Harlem Renaissance, the Black cultural movement which spanned the 1920s, as their theme.

"We wanted to focus on a significant time era for African Americans," said club president Constance Boakye.

There was a large emphasis on literature during this period, especially poetry, music, and theater. From this time period appeared places like the Apollo Theater, intellectuals including W.E.B. DuBois and Marcus Garvey and poets like Langston Hughes and Gwendolyn Bennett. Musicians included Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong.
 

"It tells history but through the arts," said Political Awareness committee chairman Kyle Washington.

AASO's Harlem Renaissance celebration begins with their Tribute to Man, a program held for AASO male members to show their appreciation for their dedication, support and hard work.
 

On Monday, AASO will host their second program, entitled "Cotton Club," where they will imitate the real jazz nightclub. The Cotton Club was a white-only establishment in Harlem that featured many Black entertainers. AASO will have singers and poets to contribute to the imitation of the actual nightclub.
 

Tuesday marks the third program, entitled "The Movement." This will be a discussion about the different movements that occurred in African American communities.
 

Wednesday's program is called "The Other Side." AASO will discuss how other races, predominately white, reacted to the Harlem Renaissance and the successes of the African American people.
 

For Thursday's program AASO will be collaborating with another student organization, Adelante Estudiantes Latinos for "Meet the Greeks". "Meet the Greeks" is one of AASO's annual programs held in the Social Hall during Bengal Pause. Greeks will be given the opportunity to step and stroll and connect with the freshmen and transfers.
 

The remainder of AASO's Africa Week will be their annual weekend camping trip at Whispering Pines, which many members are looking forward to.
 

"Last year's camp weekend was fun, (although) the first night we starved due to shortage of food supply. There was no T.V. so we entertained ourselves by playing games and having a rap battle," said member Laquasia Bryan.

The most important aspect of this event was reaching the student population, and informing as well as entertaining.
 

"We want people to be able to take back something from this experience and be able to have down time away from classes," Boakye said.
 

Students of all ethnicities are welcome to join AASO for Africa Week, as well as participate in the celebration. To become more involved with AASO, check out the organization's Facebook page, and be sure to attend their general interest meetings every Tuesday during Bengal Pause.
 

Kimberly Hylton can be reached by email at hylton.record@live.com.