The African Students Association or ASA, was officially founded on June 11th, 1992. Since that day, ASA has been committed to promoting African culture on the UT campus and surrounding community through dance, music, poetry and more. At meetings, we actively focus on having group discussions about issues facing Africans and Africa. We also hold many spectacular events throughout the year that are meant to educate our community about the various wonders of Africa. Many times we will partner with other UT organizations to jointly show the uniqueness of our cultures while unifying with others. ASA always welcomes anyone who has an interest in learning more about Africa, and seeks to be an integral social, academic, and cultural part of ones college experience.
ASA Mission Statement:
[1] ASA is dedicated to form links between African Students on the UT campus and the Austin community at large
[2] Create a medium for African students to socialize and interact
[3] To keep members informed about developments in Africa
[4] To encourage and enhance awareness about diverse African issues, culture and values
[5] To advocate the rights of African students on the UT campus
[6] To form ties with similar organizations on other campuses worldwide
To view our constitution click
Meetings begin at 6pm
1) ICE BREAKER
2) INTRO OF VISITORS/NEW MEMBERS
3) IMPOSSIBLE QUESTIONS
4) ANNOUNCEMENTS
5) SIGN-UPS FOR EVENTS
6) CULTURE BREAK
Meetings end around 7pm
Fest Africa is ASA's biggest cultural display of the Fall semester. Hosted on the main mall, Fest Africa showcases the continent's tremendous beauty, uniqueness and diversity. Fest Africa allows for Africa's true form to be revealed through poetry, fashion, dancing, food, art, music and much more. The event is free and open to the public.
In conjunction with Fest Africa, ASA hosts the Miss Fest Africa Pageant the evening after. The event is filled with elegance and grace as a group of young women take to the stage to represent their heritage while educating the University community about Africa.
2007 Winner: Shonge Chekenyere
2008 Winner: Stephanie Asonye
ASA takes its talent on the road and heads to Baylor University in Waco, TX to compete against other ASA organizations from around the state in dance, poetry, drama and fashion.
AWARDS
2010
1st Place Over-ALL
2nd Place Poetry Competition
2nd Place Dance Competition
2009
3rd Place Poetry, Baylor Competition
2008-2009
1st Place Overall, Baylor Competition
1st Place Dance, Baylor Competiton
1st Place Poetry, Baylor Competiton
1st Place Drama, Baylor Competition
2nd Place Fashion, Baylor Competiton
2007-2008
2nd Place Poetry, Baylor Competition
2nd Place Dance, Baylor Competition
2nd Place Overall, Baylor Competition
TO VIEW MORE SEE THE AWARDS PAGE
The Alpha Phi Alpha Non-Greek Step Show is hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. It allows non-Greek UT Campus organizations and area high school step teams to compete against one another. Each team has just ten minutes to impress the judges with their own original step routine. Many teams from many schools enter, but there can be only one winner.
Congratulations to our 2009 ASA Steppers S.W.A.T for winning 1st Place
ABOUT STEPPING
Stepping or step-dancing is a form of percussive dance in which the participant's entire body is used as an instrument to produce complex rhythms and sounds through a mixture of footsteps, spoken word, and hand claps. Though stepping may be performed by an individual, it is generally performed by groups of three or more, often in arrangements that resemble military formations.
Stepping may also draw from elements of gymnastics, tap dance, march, or African and Caribbean dance, or include semi-dangerous stunts as a part of individual routines. Some forms of stepping include the use of props, such as canes, rhythm sticks and/or fire and blindfolds.
The tradition of African American stepping is rooted within the competitive schoolyard song and dance rituals practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities, beginning in the mid-1900s
Banquet week takes place the week preceding the ASA Banquet. All week long ASA hosts different social, educational, and community service events such as the Freshman Bake Sale, The Spring Talent Show and Bridging the Gap. These events help to give back to the community and improve many lives in the surrounding area as well as those in Africa. The end of the week closes with the ASA Banquet.
Spring Banquet
Towards the end of the school year, ASA holds a formal Dinner, the Spring Banquet. The Banquet is the main event that closes the active year for ASA. Guests are immersed in an atmosphere of exquisite food and live African music. During this time, we give awards to members who have distinguished themselves as selfless contributors to the organization. Such awards given include the Member of the Year Award, and the Male and Female Member of the Year Awards. ASA also honors all the graduating seniors during the Banquet. The Golden Spoon Awards are presented at the Banquet as well. Members nominate and vote for the winners of the Golden Spoon Awards prior to the banquet and the winners aren't announced till the evening of banquet. All the funds collected from the Banquet event are sent to a charitable organization that has operations based in Africa.
![Food [on occcation]](http://static.wix.com/media/26b5c7f7a2b4ff38b3d04f23e1b0a786.wix_mp_128)
![Food served [on occasion]](http://static.wix.com/media/0aa2d700e70c84f16cbd1be1d8ea907b.wix_mp_128)
