On Nov. 7 in the Community Commons, African Students United hosted Afrochella with the help of the Omicron Zeta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., also known as the Rocky Mountain Nupes. 

The event also had contributors and guests that included DU’s Black Student Alliance, Auraria Campus’s (Metropolitan State University of Denver, University of Denver, Community College of Denver) Ethiopian Eritrean Student Association and African Student Union. DU’s ASU provided fruit with an accompanying chocolate fountain, puff puff (a West African donut) and fried plantain. 

Afrochella got its start in 2022 and served as an end-of-year celebration and an opportunity to express positive collaboration and vibes before everyone heads home from break.

“The purpose of the event is honoring the soul of the diaspora, uniting through the power of black culture and rhythm,” DU’s ASU President Bethy Abera, a third-year psychology major, said. 

The event had a DJ, and two guest performers, one performing and teaching traditional Ethiopian dance and the other performing a theatrical monologue and a dance battle, where the winner won a Polaroid. Three members of the Rocky Mountain Nupes also got the opportunity to do two of their strolls at this event. Strolling is a prominent, dance-like tradition, often associated with the Divine 9 or the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).

“My favorite part of the night got to be the interactive dance performance. The performer, Keduse Abuhay, is incredibly talented and truly knows how to command a room. It was so much fun dancing with people while learning new dances,” Abera mentions.

African Students United is planning more fun and engaging community events next quarter, one being their annual Taste of Africa. They also have plans to celebrate Black History Month with the Black Student Alliance and Black Community Initiatives. With their mission to unify and cater to African and Black students at DU, they hope to have an event that helps their members make professional connections through networking in the community.

To keep up with African Students United and their events, please take a visit to their Instagram and Crimson Connect. Information about the Omicron Zeta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. can be found on their Instagram.