Love of the Diaspora is an annual celebration of the Black Diaspora, including Black, African-American, African, and Caribbean communities, through food, music, and art, hosted by rotating Black Diasporic organizations. Love of the Diaspora, also known as LOTD, started in 2016 as a way to celebrate the beauty and uniqueness within the African Diaspora on American University’s campus, providing a space for Black students to be themselves, free of judgment or prejudice. This night is dedicated to uplifting, celebrating, welcoming, and enjoying the company of our peers!
This year’s LOTD theme is Black Royalty: Our Past, Our Present, and Our Future, hosted by the American University’s Black Student Union and NAACP Chapter. The Black Student Union is an organization created to provide a safe environment for Black students at American University. Our purpose is to support all Black identities through advocacy and programming, aiming to create unity amongst all different cultural backgrounds of the Black AU Community via the “Five-Point Program”, including, but not limited to educational/academic, cultural, civic, social, and legislative/political components. The AU NAACP Chapter is an organization focused on the abolition of all and especially anti-Black oppression, working to advance the political, educational, social, and economic status of Black people via the engagement of students at American University. As our two organizations’ missions aim to contribute to the well-being of Black people and students, we are excited to collaborate with other AU Black organizations to celebrate our collective Black excellence and incredible stories and experiences.
This year, we have dedicated a section of our event to the Black alumni who paved the way before us, represented with an archival walk that will showcase the first Black newspaper publication and pictures of the first AU Black Student Union E-board and members. You can also expect various performances, designated photo opps, and tables upon tables of delicious food, all while vibing to good music with your friends!
So, we invite all Black students at American University to wear their best formal attire to prepare for a beautiful night of music, food, art, and dancing on Sunday, March 27th, 2022 at 5pm in the Katzen Rotunda!
Don’t forget to RSVP - link can be found in our Instagram bio’s; outside guests are allowed with a recent negative COVID test or COVID vaccination card! Masks are optional but HIGHLY recommended!
The Black Student Union and NAACP are incredibly proud and excited to invite you all to celebrate US! Please follow us on IG @AUBlackstudentu and @americanunaacp. Be sure to dress to impress!
