African Diaspora Club beginings

A college campus is only as reflective as how it reflects.
When I started at Towson University back in 1999, I was a little surprised that there wasn't an African based group at Towson University. There was a Black Student Union, Caribbean group, Jewish group, if fact I think there was a group for Martians!

My curiosity went wild and questions ran through my mind. How could there be no group for Africans on a campus who at the time boasted a good number of Africans on campus? Were we going to be a generation of Africans that would not learn from our forefathers? Lack of organization, lack of initiative, mismanagement, tribalism and all the other "isms" you can think of, have plagued us for decades. As is reflected in the fact that Africa is very rich, but yet very poor.

So with this "African patriotism" bursting through me, I decided to do "research and development". I asked some of "my people" on campus. "Why don't we have a African group?". Their answers shocked me. I was told that such a group was created, but did not last because food and drinks where not served to members. To that I said, "you have got to be kidding". Are we as Africans, still motivated by material things or can we evolve and come together for the sake our future?"

I knew what had to be done. I looked for the best of the best. The hidden gems, the reluctant leaders, the roses within the thorns, the water in the dessert, the.... well you know where I am going with this. The names have been changed to protect the identifies. These are the founders.....

Ambassador O O - his youth and energy sparked our membership
Soccer Bobo Bass - His popularity on campus legitemized our group
Qneen H Bint - Her quiet leadership and roots made her our "Hybrid"
O B K - diligence, sticking to details ensured we were a well oiled machine.
Beh Ja - her leadership and voice gave us the backbone we needed.

We had our first meeting December 1st 1999 and almost a decade later, the group continues to lead the campus in diversity and leadership. To think, they said it could never be done.


Pictures will be forthcoming.......