Club Spotlight: The Afro–American Society

Byline: Madison Howard, Features Editor

Coming off Revive the Culture Week, the Afro–American Society is continuing its efforts to create opportunities for students to connect, celebrate Black culture and build community at Canisius University.

Revive the Culture Week brought students together through a series of events, including game night, movie night, Paint & Sip and Welcome to the Yard BBQ. The week gave students opportunities to socialize while celebrating different parts of Black culture and creating a welcoming environment on campus.

The organization held its first general body meeting of the semester on Sept. 29 in Horan O’Donnell, Room 107. Students gathered for free pizza, wings and drinks while getting to know the organization’s new executive board and learning about plans for the semester.

The 2026-27 executive board includes six students: President Jakira Lipscomb, a senior accounting major, Vice President Elise Thomas, a junior criminal justice major, Treasurer Iyana Bordeaux, a sophomore majoring in criminal justice and political science, Secretary and Sergeant at Arms Milo Benedetti, a junior ABEC major, Public Relations Officer Aminata Soumounou, a sophomore marketing major, and Event Coordinator Sofia Mgindu, a junior majoring in psychology and criminal justice. Fatima Rodriguez Johnson serves as the organization’s advisor while Jaquoi Dorsett serves as the graduate student advisor.

The first general body meeting combined social activities with conversations about culture and identity. Students discussed topics surrounding Black identity, culture and community, including cultural connection, representation and the importance of having spaces where Black students can share their experiences with others.

One discussion focused on the experiences of Black children raised outside of the Black community and the role that cultural connection can play in their upbringing. Students expressed different perspectives on interracial adoption, including questions surrounding cultural knowledge, representation, family and community support. The conversation also expanded into the experiences of Black students at predominantly white institutions compared with historically Black colleges and universities. Students talked about representation, community, comfort and the importance of having opportunities to connect with people who may share similar experiences.

While the perspectives shared during the discussion differed, the conversation reflected the organization’s role as a space where students can engage with topics surrounding Black culture and identity. The meeting ended on a lighter note with a “This or That” activity. Students moved around the room to choose between different options, including calls or texts, Halloween or Christmas and online or in–store shopping. The activity gave students another opportunity to interact and get to know one another outside of the more serious discussion.

The Afro–American Society’s plans for the semester extend beyond its discussions and social gatherings. The organization has several events planned for students to participate in throughout the fall.

The next event will be a breast cancer awareness event on Oct. 7 outside Dining Hall. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about breast cancer, including ways to prevent it and available resources. Students can also look forward to the organization’s upcoming trip to Fright World. Tickets will be going live soon with limited spots available.

Later in the semester, the organization plans to host a Halloween event, a soul food dinner and “Slice of Thanks,” a Thanksgiving–themed event where students can enjoy pies outside the Dining Hall. The organization is also planning a holiday activity for December and will hold another general body meeting during the semester.

With a combination of cultural programming, social events and open conversations, the Afro–American Society is continuing to provide students with opportunities to meet new people, participate in campus life and connect through shared experiences. For students looking to get involved, the organization’s upcoming events offer opportunities to participate both inside and outside of its regular general body meetings.