African American Student Development Program

AASD provides programs and services that enhance the students’ overall experience at TU and increase awareness and appreciation of African, Afro-Caribbean and African American culture. We also assist TU in the recruitment and retention of students from these populations.

History

For more than 30 years, the African American Cultural Center (AACC) has served as an "oasis of cultural wealth" by providing programming and resources that allowed students, faculty, staff and visitors the opportunity to delve into the rich history, folkways, contributions and issues surrounding African American life.

In 2007, the AACC along with several other diversity related units were clustered to form the CSD and the AACC was revamped into the AASD. Our primary goal is to aid in the recruitment, retention and development of students of African and African American descent and heritage and to assist the university in creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment across campus. The CSD is a place of inclusion that prides itself on being a catalyst for interaction and discourse.

Programs and Activities

Black Student Leadership Conference

The Black Student Leadership Conference focuses on highlighting community members who have followed a personal passion and or realized a professional dream. Attendees will learn how to acknowledge challenges, build resiliency and empower themselves as current and aspiring student leaders of color to use their talents and abilities to serve their communities.

Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Day of Celebration

The Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Day of Celebration is an opportunity to acknowledge and honor his life and legacy of social justice advocacy. The celebration takes place the first week in February, after the national holiday, once the TU community returns to campus.

Ebony Celebration 

Every year the Ebony Celebration, is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate graduating seniors. Please check this page to find out more information for the following year’s celebration.

Sankofa 

Sankofa is a symbol used by the Akan people of Ghana, generally depicted as a bird with its head turned backward taking an egg from its back. It expresses the importance of reaching back to knowledge gained in the past and bringing it into the present to make positive progress. Given this context, Sankofa is a discussion space where folks discuss issues impacting communities representing the African Diaspora. Mark your calendars and join the conversations!

Sankofa Book Club

This semester, students will unpack Brittany Cooper’s The Crunk Feminist Collection is relevant, real conversations about how race and gender politics intersect with pop culture and current events. The essays foster dialogue about activist methods, intersectionality and sisterhood. To ensure community is built and maintained in the space, you must be willing to commit for the entire semester.

Think Before You Speak: An Oratorical Contest

An oratorical contest is an opportunity to gain experience with public speaking while competing for a prize, gift, scholarship etc. Participants will share their interpretation of the selected theme.

Ujima

UJIMA (oo-JEE-mah) is the third principle of Kwanzaa and means collective work and responsibility. At TU, Ujima is a collective of student organizations whose sole purpose and mission is to educate and uplift students who identify as part of the African Diaspora.