The Universitywide student organization celebrated the Black Diaspora during Black History Month.
This year, the United Students of African Descent (USAD) made history with its annual Pan-African Festival. For the first time, the event was not held outside during October. Instead, USAD celebrated on Feb. 17, during Black History Month, and inside the Elm Ballrooms of the University of Maryland, Baltimore's (UMB) SMC Campus Center. The move gave way to increased interaction between everyone who came out to support this Universitywide event.
The event was opened by USAD President Jaelyn Edwards, student at the School of Medicine, and USAD Vice President Mathew Byanyima, a dual student at the Francis King Carey School of Law and University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP). The Pan-African Festival is a combined program between UMB and UMCP.
Approximately 75 students and guests gathered for great music and delicious food prepared and served by local Black-owned restaurants, such as New Tierra Café and the Swahili Village. Guests ate, chatted with each other, and had lots of laughs, while a local DJ played tunes.
Guests were also treated to a fashion show featuring students from across the UMB campus. These student fashionistas modeled cultural and casual dress.
There was also an opportunity for guests to compete for a prize by answering a Black History Month Trivia question.
The question? What is the population of Africa as of 2022?
The answer? 1.4 billion!
Kudos to USAD! History is made yet again.
Want to see more photos?
For a photo gallery of the event, check out the "2023 USAD Pan African Festival" album on the UMB Student Affairs Facebook page. All photos were taken by USAD’s Public Relations Coordinator Robyn Bernard, student at the School of Medicine.
What is USAD?
USAD’s mission is to represent the voices of the African/African American community within UMB through social and cultural activities, educational seminars, and partnerships with other UMB Minority Student Organizations to promote intermural interaction.
Why should you join USAD?
USAD gives students of color at UMB schools and programs the opportunity to meet and network. If you are looking for an organization to serve as your second home, then USAD is for you.
Interested in becoming a member of USAD?
Any student at UMB can join! Contact USAD for more information.
In photo: (from left to right) Robyn Bernard; Fatima Juwara, Francis King Carey School of Law, USAD’s programming chair; Khiarra Watkins, School of Pharmacy, USAD’s treasurer; Regina Ngondwe, School of Nursing, USAD’s secretary; Cyndi Rice, director of student leadership and engagement, UMB Student Affairs, staff advisor to USAD; Jaelyn Edwards; Matthew Byanyima.