NAFSA 2020 Member Honorees

By Beatrice Gar

Last year, our chapters and their members displayed immense dedication to their campus organizations and communities. Despite the difficult circumstances, each chapter/member achieved some amazing things. On behalf of NAFSA, we would like to highlight one of our chapters and one of our members for their outstanding accomplishments in 2020.

Winning Chapter: OASIS (Organization for African Students’ Interests and Solidarity)

This organization is based in Chapel Hill, NC at UNC Chapel Hill. OASIS curated a virtual event called “Culture Shock”, where they highlighted African culture and diversity. This event was a collaboration with other multicultural organizations at UNC. “Culture Shock” usually occurs in-person, but due to Covid-19, the event had to be hosted virtually. Incoming freshman and alumni were welcomed to attend; overall the event garnered fifty attendees. OASIS also hosted a giveaway during the event in order to give back to their community. Overall, the event was a success and it “rekindled the sense of community amongst our multicultural organizations”.

Winning Member: Egerton Abulu from DePaul University

Egerton Abulu is a Junior at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. We are highlighting him due the immense work he has done in assisting the Black community during this past voting season. He believes that, “… as African people, we must not only let our pride come from just mere words, but from definitive action”. Abulu is the founder of VitalVotes USA, a voting rights, community-based organization. His mission is to uplift the Black community as well as educate them on their voting rights. Through his organization, Abulu has inspired many young, Black voters to participate in national/local elections. He hopes to educate more Black people about the power they hold in elections and shed light on the Black experience.