As an immigrant from Cameroon, Colton Atekwana has seen with his own eyes the widespread poverty and corruption plaguing the country — a reality far too often overlooked here in the U.S.

“I thought about this for a long time,” the senior neurobiology and physiology major said. “And I have the desire to help at least in the little way I can so that I can be proud.”

With the African Students Progressive Action Committee, Atekwana found the place where he could fulfill that desire alongside other students who were also concerned with addressing social issues in Africa. The group held its first general body meeting Sept. 24 and renewed its pledge to take real action in the fight against human trafficking, corruption and war.

“We are here to focus on serious and urgent events in Africa,” said ASPAC Co-President William Sama. “We are here to talk about what is happening in the countries we love and to find solutions or raise as much money as we can to help them out.”

Students first founded ASPAC in 2008 and the group has since made significant strides in fundraising to support various African social issues. Last year, members organized a charity benefit concert that raised $5,000 to help rebuild the regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo that were ravaged by civil war. This past April, ASPAC hosted a charity play entitled Battered Heart, which told the story of a young African woman who was a victim of domestic violence. The $3,000 raised from that play was donated to the Women’s Rights Awareness Program to aid abused and violated African women.

The committee is planning to host an open mic comedy show and Congo Relief Benefit Concert in November.

“In order to effectively send the money to where it is needed the most, we link up with different well-trusted non-governmental organizations,” Sama said.

For anthropology and biology major Yerodin Anthony, who initially encountered the group at their first meeting, many of these social issues hit close to home. Anthony immigrated from Guyana in 1998.

“I came with my parents because we were looking for new experiences and a greater perspective,” he added. “And as someday I want to go back to my country, I like to learn something about the role of civil engagement.”

Sama said Yerodin’s wish is exactly what ASPAC is all about. At meetings, the student participants brainstorm with the nine board members for ideas on what they can do to make a tangible difference.

“We always get the crowd involved,” he said. “Usually, the people attending our sessions give very brilliant ideas.”

For Sama, his inspiration for leading ASPAC was born out of witnessing his close friends and neighbors struggling to have enough food. While he personally lived a comfortable life, the experience inspired him to give something back.

“You have to think about how you want the people to remember you when you are gone,” he said, adding, “It is on you to help, because you are the youth of your nation and you can make a difference.”

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