Within LSU’s wide and diverse student body, 12% of students are African American. To make campus a more inclusive space for a group that often feels overlooked, the African American Cultural Center Ambassadors held Dear Black LSU. 

Held on Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Tower Drive, Dear Black LSU showcased African American organizations on LSU’s campus.

“The whole purpose of this event is for other students to learn about the great minority organizations we have here on campus,” biology junior and AACC Ambassadors Vice President of Programming and Logistics Lalia Plummer said. 

One of the organizations at the event was Black Girls Vote, a group focused on empowering minority women to vote and stay informed on political issues. Black Girls Vote gives minority women a space to understand the voting process amongst a supportive group as the election approaches. 

“This basis of our club is really an organization dedicated to ensuring that Black women have the tools and the education to advocate for policies that are affecting our families and communities alike,” said psychology senior and Black Girls Vote President Ahlaya Martin. 

Martin enjoyed the experience because it made organizations more accessible to African American students on LSU’s campus, giving them a sense of community throughout their college experience. 

Another organization that was showcased was the Black Male Leadership Initiative. The BMLI empowers African American males on campus and teaches them necessary skills to become a leader in their everyday lives.

 “Our organization is focused on academic success, retention rates, community service and leadership,” said senior sociology major and the BMLI President Deylon Foi. “Our biggest thing is making sure Black males on campus are leaders and to showcase our excellence on a campus that is a PWI.” 

The event was originally scheduled for Sept. 12th., but it had to be rescheduled due to Hurricane Francine. Even though setbacks occurred, The AACC Ambassadors still had a great turnout.

Dear Black LSU invited the African American student body to build connections on campus and to join clubs with like-minded individuals. The AACC Ambassadors will continue holding events to foster these connections, including Faith and Finance on Oct. 22 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. More information about the AACC and its plans for the semester can be found here.