African Student Association serves growing African student population

Lipscomb has a variety of organizations for students to learn more about the diverse cultures that are part of the university community

Judson Chaudoin | 02/03/2021

The African Student Association (ASA) is one of the newest additions to Lipscomb’s campus student organizations. 

It was launched in August 2020 by Edom Seyoum, a native of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and her friend, Heleena Kabtimer, who wanted a place for African students to feel supported as they realized there is a growing number of students from Africa in the student population at Lipscomb. 

“Heleena and I would always talk about how Lipscomb needs an ASA but we never really thought about going through with our idea because we thought people wouldn’t be interested. But we soon realized that the number of Africans on Lipscomb’s campus was increasing and there surely was a need for a student organization like ASA,” says Seyoum, ASA president and senior biology major. “I’ve learned a lot about African cultures through the leadership position I hold in ASA and it’s definitely an experience.” 

Seyoum believes it is important to learn about the diversity of cultures on the Lipscomb campus and in the world around us. 

“Every culture is different and unique in its own way. I think it’s important for us to learn from each other because through that we become closer. A person represents their culture and their country so when we learn and recognize their culture in a way we are also telling them that we see them and that they are worthy of being heard,” she explains. “As the minority at Lipscomb, finding a sense of belonging and home is hard and oftentimes it feels like you have to get rid of who you are to fit in and find friends. But when we accept diversity and celebrate cultures, it’s telling people that who they are is enough and they can come as they are and their differences are accepted and appreciated and they matter in a space where everyone isn’t the same.” 

ASA’s mission is to offer resources that aid African students in academic and cultural endeavors. There are also opportunities for the Lipscomb community to learn about different African cultures through events and meetings the club hosts as well as to open spaces for discussions. One such event hosted by ASA this year was Afrobeats Invasion. The ASA played African music in Bison Square accompanied by snacks from various African countries. They have also partnered with the Black Student Union and the Student Activities Board to offer a Family Feud event focusing on Black history as part of Black History Month activities. 

Helping Seyoum lead this new organization are Kabtimer, vice president; Rebecca Herman, social media; Kiana Rafiei, secretary; Calah Gipson and Grace Daubenmier, event planning; Elizabeth Eromosele, international student representative; and Frehiwot Abebe, treasurer. 

“All of our officers worked hard this year to make all the events happen. It takes a lot to plan an event and then it will be successful, but everyone does their part and without our amazing officers ASA wouldn’t exist,” says Seyoum. “We have our own roles but we also work together to make sure that ASA has a strong first year.” 

As the ASA continues to grow, Seyoum wants students to know it is an organization for everyone. 

“When most people hear, African Student Association they think that you have to be African to join but that is not the case. Anyone and everyone can join,” she says. 

Seyoum says a number of ASA activities are planned for the remainder of the semester. Students interested in joining the ASA should contact the Office of Intercultural Development.

NOTE: Lipscomb University underscores that membership or participation in African Student Association is not limited by race or ethnicity and is open to all students regardless of race or ethnicity.