During its own Week of Welcome, the African American Student Alliance hosted Say It Loud, an event for African American students to share what being black means to them.
The event encouraged students to express pride in their heritage and culture. Attendees wrote how they felt about being black on several large posters. Expressions ranged from light-hearted to serious, and all were welcome. Not everyone stuck around after writing down how they felt, but most who did were smiling and conversing along with everyone else within minutes.
Terrence Burruss, a senior organizational communication major, stayed for the entire event.
“It’s wonderful,” Burrus said. “It’s important to reaffirm your self-worth, even if it’s something as simple as playing music and writing self-empowering words down on a piece of paper. It’s simple, but vital.”
Some of those in attendance broke out in song and danced along with the hip-hop music blasting through the speakers. Everyone enjoyed simply socializing and meeting new people.
“These are my people,” Burruss said. “When we get together, it’s always a good time.”
Emily Wells, AASA advisor and member of the Department of Student Engagement, was happy to attend the event.
“It’s a great group of students,” Wells said. “This is a way to make sure students know they’re here.”
AASA is one of Kennesaw State University’s oldest organizations and has over 500 members. The board consists of seven officers, all of whom work as a team to put these events together and spread the word. They’re holding events all week to welcome new members, including Melanin Unleashed this Friday on the Campus Green.
