Affiliated Student Organizations
The following programs are affiliated with the African American Studies department, and/or are sponsored by an AAS faculty member:
African American Students Department Club (AASDC) - Safoura Boukari, Advisor.
An active African American Studies Departmental Club promotes Africa American Studies as a major at Western Illinois University, while educating others about the African American experience in the United States. The department club won the College of Arts and Sciences Council 2006 Departmental Student Organization Award. It remains the best college student organization to help students remain engaged with scholarship, culture, and community. The AASDC meets weekly on campus.
African Student Association - Audrey P. Watkins, Advisor.
The mission of the African Student Association is to promote diversity on WIU campus and Macomb, while teaching about and promoting African culture.
Creative Writer's Society - Abdul-Rasheed Na'Allah, Advisor.
Our mission is to provide a forum for WIU students and Macomb community, to support their literary pursuits, help with their writing potential exemplifying the originality of thought, expression and emotion in written form. Visit the Society's Website
United Voices of Western Inspirational Singers (UVOWIS) - Alphonso Simpson, Jr., Faculty Choir Director.
A campus ensemble performs at various concerts and other venues. Our goal is to prepare the choir to reproduce the sound and style of African-American choral music. Genres include: traditional, historical, & contemporary gospel, and praise & worship music. Primary focus is on African-American spirituals, anthems, and hymns. Vocal instruction includes: Blue notes, slides, bends, growls, hollers,
squalls, etc.
Muslim Student Association - Abdul-Rasheed Na'Allah, Advisor.
Our mission is to develop an understanding toward the diversity (especially in religion) in campus community. WEBSITE
In addition to the student organizations listed, the University also offers other socio-cultural organizations for students of African-American heritage, these include: Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center, Black Student Association, and Black fraternities and sororities. For more information on student organizations contact the Office of Student Activities.
