Bringing African Culture to Buckeye Nation

The African Youth League’s (AYL) annual African Night is coming up soon! We sat down with student organization President Akwi Anyangwe to get a glimpse into the event, and to learn more about what it means to celebrate at The Ohio State University.

Where are you from?
I am from Baltimore, Maryland, born and raised. However, both of my parents are from Cameroon. I am a first-generation college student.

Coming from Maryland, what made you choose Ohio State?
I am a Morrill Scholar, which was the determining factor in me choosing Ohio State. Being a first-generation college student, receiving the Morrill Scholarship allowed me to attend school out of state.

Have you noticed any differences between Ohio and Maryland?
There is a vast difference between the cultures here and at home. In Maryland, there are cultural festivals and celebrations almost weekly. People celebrate their ancestry and their cultures in the most vibrant and enthusiastic forms. Here in Ohio, there is much less of this. It was definitely an interesting transition, and it played a big part in why I joined the organizations that I have.

What organizations are you involved in?
I am heavily involved in the Morrill Scholars Program, I serve as the African Youth League President and I am a Family Leader, which is essentially a mentor for the Black Student Association.

What is your major and why?
I am a biological engineer. I chose this path for a variety of reasons: I have always been very good at math and my father is an engineer. Because of this, I had a bit of background in what engineering entails. More importantly, though, I chose engineering because I wanted to have the power to say that I am a black, woman engineer. In a field dominated not only by men, but by white men, I wanted to use my knowledge and position to change the perception of engineers. Additionally, I would like to build a health clinic in Cameroon in the future. I want to use my resources and skills to bring peace and change to my country, and to help those in need in Cameroon.

How did you get involved with the African Youth League?
Coming to Ohio State, I always wanted to be a part of an African American student organization. When I first found the African Youth League, I remember thinking the name made it seem like some sort of soccer team — I decided to check it out regardless. When I went to my first meeting, I was welcomed with open arms. I truly felt surrounded by brothers and sisters, even though we were from all different African countries. I fell in love for what they stood for.

During my freshman year, I applied for an Executive Position. I ended up not getting the position, but I still knew I wanted to help continue to grow the org. The next year, I served as an ambassador, and then as the Vice President. Now, I serve as President. I had never expected, nor thought, I would be President. I was fearful that I did not know how to properly lead and that I may let people down. After starting, I have slowly learned that I always had the qualities to become a leader, and now I am able to use these qualities to grow myself and to lead an org that I love while having people look up to me each day.

Tell us about the AYL’s signature event, African Night.
It’s a night to expose Africa’s diversity, beauty and power. We have spoken word acts, singing, dancing, a play and a cultural fashion show. It’s a way to expose diversity, because Africa has so many different identities. The fashion show is my personal favorite part.

What else do you want people to know before attending African Night?
The theme of African Night this year is the “New Beginning.” There has been a lot of controversy in Africa due to corruption, xenophobia, global warming and more in recent years. A new beginning signifies the youth’s role in the development of Africa, especially as first-generation youths who were born abroad and have the resources to bring back to their African countries.

African Night will take place on November 23, 2019. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m. in the Archie Griffin Ballroom.