Hardin-Simmons has a wide variety of student-run organizations on campus.
From country dancing to social groups and book clubs, there is something for almost everyone. There are also several cultural awareness groups on campus, such as International Student Fellowship, Sangre and the African Student Union. These groups host and participate in various events throughout the year, such as Hispanic Heritage Month and the annual All School SING.
The African Student Union (ASU) is one of the cultural awareness clubs focused on the unique culture of Africa. Each year, ASU hosts Afro Fest to share aspects of African culture—through food, dance and other forms of art—with HSU students.
“Each year, the event has a different theme that displays a new aspect of African culture that we are excited to share,” said Kam Okoye, a junior biochemistry and molecular biology major and honors minor from Nigeria. This year’s theme is “An Evening In Disguise,” a masquerade ball.
Afro Fest is open to all students, HSU affiliates and the public, and it is free to attend. It will be held on Nov. 12, at 7 p.m. in the Johnson Multipurpose Room. Formal black attire is highly encouraged for this event.
“I am excited to see what everyone’s stunning outfits will look like. Also, a wide variety of food has never made anyone mad,” Okoye said.
Each Afro Fest is unique but retains certain elements, such as various African dishes prepared by HSU students. This year, there will be an art exhibition with prizes for the first, second, and third places, poems read in different languages, a masquerade ball and lots of dancing. It’s also an opportunity to connect with fellow students you may not see often and learn about a place you may not otherwise get to experience.
“Afro Fest is an opportunity to play dress-up and act fancy. It’s also great for trying new things like food, music and watching all sorts of entertaining dances,” Okoye said.
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