Minority organizations hold fair at Rec Complex

By Anna Koeppel

Published Feb. 15, 2008

Students showed off their organizations and learned about those they weren’t familiar with Tuesday in the Student Recreation Complex.

The Fab Feb Fest, sponsored by the Legion of Black Collegians, is similar to their Fall Fest event, held in the fall semester.

About 20 organizations, most minority-oriented, greeted interested students at booths on two basketball courts in the Student Recreation Complex. Meanwhile, others jumped and played on an inflatable moonwalk.

Participants said they hoped to increase awareness of their groups by spending time at the fair.

“We’re trying to get people interested in our organization,” said Shatari Wesson, Black Business Student Association vice president of information technology.

Wesson said the group has monthly meetings that feature guest speakers, information and advice about professional development for members. She said the group also sponsors discussions about topics that include how to prepare for job interviews and how to dress professionally.

Wesson said BBSA visits the headquarters of major corporations every year. This month, about 35 members will visit the headquarters of both Kraft Foods and Office Max in Chicago.

“The purpose of the trip is to provide networking opportunities and information about possible careers and internships for our members,” Wesson said in an e-mail.

BBSA has about 27 corporate sponsors.

Several of the organizations at the fair included fraternities and sororities, such as Zeta Phi Beta sorority.

Zeta Phi Beta Secretary Rasheedat Yahaya said the event had a good turnout. She said the sorority was there to present their activities and answer questions about the organization.

The MU National Association for the Advancement of Colored People attended Tuesday, promoting a pre-Valentine’s Day social they sponsored Wednesday. MU NAACP President Brian Washington said the group is usually political but they also sponsor social events.

Washington said the social would feature games, but the night would wrap up with discussions about dating and relationships, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

At the table next to MU NAACP’s display, Delta Sigma Theta sorority members showed a display of their values and members while promoting their Delta After Dark Talent Extravaganza.

The event, scheduled for Feb. 23, will benefit The Shelter, a center for victims of domestic violence.

Tiara Williamson, Delta Sigma Theta vice president and treasurer, said the sorority sponsors the charity event every year and picks a different issue to address. This year, the sorority will partner with students from Lincoln University in Jefferson City and Stephens College.