Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.
This traditional Bondei proverb is what holds the UT African Student Association together. ASA is an organization working to spread the knowledge of African culture across campus while fostering a sense of community between its members. With a mission to “bridge the gap between Africa, UT and the greater Knoxville Community,” the association consists of both native Africans as well as students simply interested in the continent’s culture.
Kelvin Mbugua, president of ASA and junior in mechanical engineering, said he is proud to represent a group that is open to people of all nationalities. With the association consisting of 50 percent African students, Mbugua noted the club’s diverse membership.
“That just shows you that the group invites anyone who wants to learn more about Africa and wants to interact with Africa,” Mbugua said.
Spending the first 15 years of his life in Nakuru, Kenya, Mbugua said he has battled the many misconceptions that surround his homeland since his move to the United States.
“A lot of people think about Kenya and they think of a place where poverty is the main thing,” he said. “I was actually raised in a suburban area. When I came to America, it actually felt like we downgraded a little bit.”
Cindy Anku, secretary of ASA and junior in nutrition, is a originally from Ghana and expressed pride in the values and way of life of her native country.
“It’s a lot simpler there, and everyone is more open,” Anku said. “With all the electronics and technology (in the U.S.), it makes people more closed off.”
Vice president of ASA Alesha Nolen, a senior in kinesiology, represents the portion of the club not holding African origin. Drawn to the association as a freshman, the Memphis native joined in an effort to discover her own ethnic roots.
“I just wanted to reach out and find out where I came from as an African-American,” Nolen said, “but also just get into their culture altogether.”
While promoting African culture, ASA holds various charitable and social events within the community. Participating in UT’s 29th International Festival Friday, the association provided Kenyan chapatti, mango juice and other traditional dishes to interested attendees. The club also hosts an annual retreat in Gatlinburg where members are invited to socialize and relax outside Knoxville’s bustle.
Nolen described her experiences with ASA as enlightening and multi-faceted, having participated in a now defunct African dance team that showcased the Ghanaian Azonto dance style. She discourages people from assuming a stereotypical, negative view of Africa.
“I would really encourage people to get away from the mindset that (Africa is) just animals and people roaming around with lions,” she said. “Everything that we have, they have … they’re real people with real things they’re really thriving.”
The African Student Association holds meetings at the International House every other Monday and can be contacted at [email protected].
