With summer giving way to fall, scenes on campus at the University of Memphis are shifting as students prepare for midterms and fall break. The scents of crisp autumn air and freshly baked sweets filled the air of the University Center as the African Student Association hosted their “Taste of Autumn” bake sale.
The African Student Association (ASA) is a student-led organization at the University of Memphis that hosts multiple events throughout the school year that are catered to African culture and traditions. The group invites everyone to take part in these events for people who want to learn more about it.
“We also just had [our] African Week,” said Abaga Koko, University of Memphis senior and vice president of ASA. “We did a potluck where everyone can come and bring their traditional dishes; we had an Afrobeats party because Africans love Afrobeats, and it’s a predominant thing in our culture.”
Last Wednesday, on Oct. 9, ASA set up shop in the UC Atrium with a table display of baked goods for sale. From handmade cinnamon rolls to savory breakfast croissants, the assortment gave students a variety of delicious options.
“They had all sorts of desserts, everything was handmade, and everything was really good,” said Jorge Iskeif, a sophomore majoring in business at the University of Memphis. “I’m glad that everything is going towards a good organization and a good cause.”
All proceeds from the bake sale go towards fundraising purposes for the organization to put on their biggest annual event of the year, “A Night in Africa.” Planned for April (Africa in April), the headline event features traditional African attire fashion shows along with authentic African catering in a night filled with fellowship and camaraderie.
Throughout the school year, ASA also puts out many community service opportunities for members and non-members to become a part of something bigger and make a change in their city.
“It’s one thing to be in a community but it’s another thing to support it and give back to it,” said Koko. As their TigerZone organization website states: “ASA welcomes and creates an inclusive relationship with the student body, promotes the cultural heritage of the entire African community, while excelling in philanthropy for our community.”
The African Student Association’s next campus event is their Family Feud night in collaboration with the Black Student Association (BSA), Empowered Men of Color (EMOC), and the Professional Assertive United Sisters of Excellence (PAUSE) on Thursday, Oct. 22 in the UC Theatre. More info can be found on the TigerZone Mobile app.
