“Bringing Africa to NIU, Building a Community”: The African Students Association at Northern Illinois University

The African Students Association (ASA) at Northern Illinois University (NIU), originally known as the African Nationalist Student Association, has been a cultural cornerstone since the late 1980s, championing African students’ voices and fostering cultural pride. Before its formation, the few African students on campus were part of the Afro-American Cultural Organization, seeking a sense of community and representation. Through our archival research, we discovered how ASA laid the foundation for a vibrant, supportive community. The organization’s early documents, its constitution, membership forms, and mission statements reveal a powerful story of African students seeking community and identity while navigating life in the U.S. This post dives into the historical context that inspired ASA’s work, the lively student experiences it fostered, and its continuing legacy at NIU.

African Students Association Constitution

The majority of African countries began gaining independence in the mid-20^th century including Ghana in 1957 and Kenya 1963 from Great Britain. After independence, there was a desire to train future leaders outside former colonial systems. According to Tichenor (2016), the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 law marked a dramatic break from immigration policies of the past by abolishing eugenics-inspired national origins quotas that barred nearly all Asian and African new-comers by reserving about seventy percent of visas for immigrants from just three countries: Great Britain, Ireland, and German. The U.S. quickly became a popular choice, and by the mid-60s, NIU welcomed a growing number of African students. Recognizing a need to connect, ASA was founded to support African students and foster a sense of belonging on campus. At NIU, ASA became a safe haven and a rallying point for African students, offering support and a platform to voice issues that mattered both in the U.S. and on the African continent.

Global movements, like the anti-apartheid campaign in South Africa, added a political layer to ASA’s purpose, empowering African students to raise awareness about struggles that affected their homelands. ASA provided a much-needed space for social support and cultural advocacy, allowing members to connect with each other and engage in meaningful dialogue about African identity, history, and global affairs.

Black Student Sit-in Protest at Lowden after Dr. Martin Luther-King's assassination in 1965

For African students at NIU, ASA became more than a student group, it was a home away from home. ASA’s primary goals were to help African students adjust to life in the U.S. and share their culture with the campus community. Through events like Pan-African Day and African Awareness Week, ASA brought a piece of Africa to DeKalb, creating spaces where students could celebrate their heritage and educate others about African history, independence, and unity.

Members of the ASA in the late 1980's

Beyond cultural events, ASA served as a social and academic support network. The first executives of the ASA are Monty Mohapi (President), Raymond Muli (Vice President), Sinamenye Mutima (Secretary) and Edward Masika (Treasurer). Members met regularly to discuss the challenges of life in a foreign country, from academic pressure to cultural misunderstandings. With a dedicated faculty advisor, Dr. Admasu Zike, ASA had the institutional backing it needed to grow its influence and make a lasting impact. ASA’s early efforts were crucial in creating a space where African students felt heard and valued, bridging the gap between African students and the broader NIU community.

Dr. Admasu Zike, the first faculty advisor for ASA

Today, ASA continues to thrive, standing on the foundation laid by its founders with expanded membership and campus influence. ASA now attracts not only African students but also those curious about African culture. Events like African Awareness Week have grown in popularity, drawing large audiences and fostering deeper connections across cultures. Supported by NIU’s commitment to diversity, ASA has become a respected and influential organization that embodies the vision of its early members.

Most recent ASA event in Fall 2024 (ASA Week)

The story of ASA at NIU is a testament to the power of student-led organizations in shaping campus life and promoting cultural understanding. Its journey from a small support network to a prominent cultural organization reflects the significance of community and the lasting impact of student voices. ASA’s legacy continues to inspire new generations, reminding us of the importance of diversity, identity, and community on campus.

Authors:

• Deborah Ahenkorah, M.S.Ed. ’26, An international student from Ghana who is passionate about learning new things and exploring new cultures. She holds a BA in Psychology and Archaeology. She is currently the Graduate Hall Director for Patterson Hall at NIU and in her first year in the HESA program. Debbie enjoys cooking, singing, dancing and listening to music.
• Kenneth Amponsah, M.S.Ed. ’26, A first-generation international student from Ghana pursuing a Masters in the HESA program at NIU. He completed his undergrad in the best