About | uartsadc

OUR PAST

The African Diaspora Collective budded from the African American Student Union (AASU), our parent organization at the University of the Arts, that was founded during the 2002-2003 academic year. AASU was headed up by advisor, Johnnie Hobbs Jr. and co-coordinators, Jillian Pirtle and Dionne Stone. AASU was Started to help bring cultural awareness to the university, celebrate African culture, and create artistic works that highlighted the African American story. ASSU organized and hosted fashion shows, black history month events, forums, open table discussions, midnight cafés, senior center visits, and Christmas parties for underprivileged children. The African American Student Union was the recipient of the University of the Arts, "Student Organization of the Year" award in 2003, 2005, and 2006.

University of the Arts alumni, Ashley Akunna founded The African Diaspora Collective to act as an organization dedicated to the active dialogue among the student body about African American charged subject matter and it has continued to blossom since then. From 2010-2012, University of the Arts alumni, Cheyenne Barboza acted as President of The African Diaspora Collective.

OUR FUTURE

The African Diaspora Collective is currently headed up by advisor and Universirty of the Arts alumni, Michael O'Bryan, President, EboniJoi McNeill, and Vice President, Nia-Samara Benjamin.

The African Diaspora Collective (ADC) was and still remains an organization dedicated to the betterment of the University of the Arts through diversity programming, community outreach, and cultural awareness. ADC strives to develop a strong body of student leaders enthusiastic about the success and unity of all minorities on and off campus!

Through active cultural programming such as the ADC Poetry Slam, "Real Talk" discussion panels, Stand Up comedy nights and much more, the African Diaspora Collective, along with partnering oranizations, is building a better UARTS.