A new dream, a new beginning

So another school year has begun and I'm well into the academic trance that all students get into when September approaches. I've established my goals and given myself resolutions for this year but as well all know, because I'm a normal 19 year old male those resolutions don't last past september 30, the last day of the month. The weather here in this little town of North Bay, Ontario, where this minor university is located is fairly warm with temperatures slightly dipping in the cool evenings due to very near Lakes. Though things are flowing freely without any hazards in the way, something feels different. There’s a scent in the air around me these days that has got me in wondrous bliss. The African Canadian Cultural Club, it must be, this after all, what else can bring such excitement into my life at this stage of the year (maybe soccer and basketball).

What is the African Canadian Cultural Club or ACCC? It is a new beginning, a new dream, a huge step for the students of Nipissing University and the inhabitants of the City of North Bay. This little community is about to be shook with a new approach to the way diversity is handled. Diversity is not a baby that needs to be cradled nor is it an egg that needs to be wrapped in pounds of protecting foam; it is a force that needs to be understood, accepted, and devoured like it was a sugar filled treat.

The main purpose of this club is to educate! It is going to educate us all on the cultural, economical, political, and social matters that affect African Canadians in our society. The first thing I had to teach people about was the meaning of the words African Canadian. It doesn’t mean the club is for Africans and Canadians only nor does it mean it’s for Africans in Canada; you’ll be surprised at how much controversy this name has caused. I felt like I was in grade 8 all over again with people bickering and crying about the name…what about the PURPOSE of the club…is that not important? With all great things come great obstacles and I’m glad to say that this discussion on the name of the club has disappeared, of not, died down.Another problem that is still in our way, and I believe will be for a fairly long while until people are educated through this club, is that the ACCC is not a Black Only Club because if it was then it would have been named Black Only Club. There is no discrimination at all represented by the club or its executives, in fact, the more diverse this club is (in terms of the membership), the greater our accomplishments will be.

But enough with the bad news, lets get to the good stuff already! Firstly, I am happy to say that on the third day of recruitment for the ACCC we have gotten 58 members! This is extremely good news for the beginning stage of this association because the one thing we need is the support of the student body because without it, I must admit, we will crumble. Secondly, my position right now as President is at a standstill. I am awaiting the decision of NUSU (Nipissing University Student Union) to determine whether or not they will umbrella the ACCC and give us funding. We have provided a strong case and I truly believe that we will gain the support of NUSU’s executive body. And thirdly, the first projected club meeting is set for Monday, September 24, 2007 the time and place has not been concluded as of yet.

The activities that have been laid out are not cemented and therefore sharing them now in detail will be unnecessary but I will give some of the activities planned so far. The major project for this inaugural year is Nipissing University’s first ever black history month presentation/celebration! This is still in the works and will be a great time for all. There are a number of bake sales which will be used to raise money as well as a fashion/talent show. The speaker series and debates will generate a lot of academic fellows and will bring a lot of opinions to the table.

This club is magnificent and in the long run will benefit the whole world. I will continue to keep all my fellow bloggers and readers in the know as this wonderful idea progresses.
“A journey of a thousand steps begin with just ONE”
“ACCC: We have a dream”