April 30, 2008
“I am African is synonymous with I am human” said Richard
Azunre, junior physics major and President of the African Students
Association. Dyed hand woven fabrics, improvisational African
dances, stories about the rich history of the African continent and
native West African foods brought the theme “I am African” to the
African Students Association’s Kings and Queens Dinner. “Africa is
the birthplace of all humanity. We are all tied to Africa” said
Azunre.
Photo
Gallery
An audience of over 40 students, faculty and administration
attended the April 18 dinner and were exposed to the culture and
heritage of the African continent on the St. John’s University
Queens Campus, in Bent Hall. The dinner is an annual final event
and an opportunity for the association to recognize active members,
faculty and administration that have worked and supported the
African Students Association throughout the past academic year, “It
is important to celebrate our organization’s achievements and try
to educate students about the purpose of our organization” said
Azunre.
The African Students Association was created, over 8 years ago,
to educate the St. John’s student body about the diverse, rich
culture of the African continent. The “I am African” theme was
chosen to unite all cultures under the same umbrella and was
emphasized throughout the year with the many activities and events
organized by the association, free for any student interested in
learning about African culture.
One of the announcements during the night was the induction of
the new Executive Board for the 2008/2009 school year: Jumobi Hqwu
- President; Tara Enahoro - Vice President of Activities; Gerard
Miller - Vice President of Publicity; Ogechi Abara - Treasurer;
Marie-Therese Guessou - Secretary; and Eric Ontieri -
Fundraising/Community Service Chair.
Members of the ASA represent a wide variety of nations,
including Benin, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana,
Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal South Africa, Tanzania,
Togo, Tunisia and Zimbabwe. Members also represent many non-African
nations, including Bulgaria, Pakistan, Russia and the United
States.
2007 Kings and Queens Dinner
April 12, 2007 - Vice-Consul from American Embassy of Cameroon
Honored at St. John's University