Before heading into Spring Break, the African Student Association (ASA) held a pop-up shop, allowing students to indulge in the experience of an African Village Market.
“The point of this pop-up shop is to bring together African merchandise, locally sourced, and sell it, and allow people to have what they missed,” said Taiwo Komolafe, ASA president.
ASA set up their tables around the Rotunda and designed them to match the vibe of a village market, consisting of pop-up shops of fashion, bath and body, strictly traditional food and drinks and jewelry stands. “We’re trying to bring most of the things that can be nostalgic to people that’s immediately going to click a bell,” said Komolafe.
The point of these African pop-up shops is to influence those looking for a community. “You’re open to joining the association. It’s a diverse group of students. Currently, we have about 20 African countries as members of the association, and we have over 50 members. Every year or every semester, we always try to have one major event happen that puts the spotlight on ASA,” Komolafe explained.
ASA hosts several types of events, such as weekly recreation activities, social events, unique cultural experiences, and general body meetings. “My favorite memory would have to be the fake wedding.” This is a unique cultural experience that students in the association look forward to, “It’s always high energy,” Komolafe shared.
“When I first came to college here, I had no idea there was an African Student Association, when I stumbled upon it, it was a room full of good people who knew where I was coming from.” Komolafe shared how she immediately jumped into a position that would allow herself the ability to bring others in and accommodate them. “I want to be that person to other people.”
ASA has its next General Body Meeting on Thursday, March 27, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Russell Union. “You can be shy, we’re going to get you into conversations and introduce you to everyone!” Komolafe exclaimed.
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