By Lanna Exilus
A celebration of African diaspora educated students on the culture through an organization.
The Black Student Union of Modesto Maidique Campus hosted their first “Afro Festa” on March 29.
The event celebrated black art in different forms, along with the celebration of their 9th birthday. Live art by local artist, Jimmy Cawille, a fashion show, face painting and vendors were present at the event.
“I follow BSU on social media and saw the flyer. I actually just had a meeting with the vice president of BSU, so it’s more of a reminder, that I am going to check it out,” said junior and architecture major, Kayla Little.
Carol Moncoeur, social coordinator for BSU, was one of the main people behind the creation of of the event.
“This event was basically to celebrate black art in all forms, we want to uplift black artists, so we have live art being done. So Eclipse, who’s going to do a fashion show and we also have face painting,” said Moncoeur.
BSU aimed have their featured artists use African inspired art to shed light on their talents, according to Moncoeur.
Moncoeur explains the aspects that within creating such an event like this one.
“This event has been in process and planning since February, we created first the theme that we wanted to go which is “Afro Festa,” you know an Afro punk, chic vibe, very artsy,” said Moncoeur. “Once we did that, we went on to who we wanted to be here. Young black artists we’ve found through our members and different people; we were able to connect with our members to have Eclipse to come on.”
The main elements of the event were African inspired from the face painting to the fashion show.
“We’re recognizing the upcoming of a council that has been scrutinize throughout the years, the fact that we have been able to expand and grow as much as we have. In such a short amount of time, I think it’s something that a lot of different people should come and enjoy,” said freshman and biology major, Sean McCray Jr.
As the celebration continue throughout the night there was nothing but laughter and dancing. The appreciation of the African culture was depicted in every way.
“Afro Festa is basically the celebration of African diaspora, we want our students to know like where this comes from and what it symbolizes, also have them feel closer to their African roots,” said the Communication Coordinator for BSU, Veronica Rushton.
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