The Trent African Caribbean Student Union (TACSU) is a regional group that functions to promote, preserve and protect the African and Caribbean culture and, to a larger extent, creates an outlet that enriches the diversity at Trent.
There are indeed many aspects of our group that creates the magic that is our students union, from debates on contemporary cultural issues to socials. However, it is worth noting that one of the core contributing aspects is our belief in the freedom of expression.
From dancing, to singing, acting and poetry among others, we have come to learn that this opportunity and appreciation for human expression through the arts truly forms the essence of the group. And while our group is primarily made up of African and Caribbean students, we boast international students from other regions, as well as local Canadian students.
This student union has given us the opportunity to thrive and has provided an avenue for us to contribute to the students’ community here at Trent and in the Peterborough community as well.
As a group we host a number of events, with the most popular being The Afrobana Showcase Festival, in which members of the group exhibit and perform various facets of African and Caribbean culture. Whether it’s traditional dances or a colourful cultural attire display, Afrobana always delivers a powerful performance that takes its guests from the coasts of the Caribbean to the warm terrain of Africa, and gives everyone the chance to reflect on the medley of different cultures.
In addition, there is an exciting forum we hope to have set up by the winter semester, the first Breakfast Club sessions organized by the group.
The basis of these sessions lies in the firm realization that we, the youth, are the leaders and game changers of tomorrow. The Breakfast Club will be student-lead, and will involve discussions on the economic and political aspects of the Caribbean and African countries. We look forward to having a number of participants and we also encourage everyone to sign up. Information about the Breakfast Club will be made available throughout the academic year.
Starting in September, TACSU plans to host its annual Welcome Back BBQ and the Welcome Back Party. We find that the annual BBQ is a wonderful setting to meet new people and to reconnect with old friends. What’ll follow the BBQ is the Welcome Back Party, where everyone is invited to come out and usher in the new academic school year with a party that is sure to entertain everyone who attends.
Our other planned events for the year vary from upbeat and entertaining socials to inspiring and educational discussions. All in all, we hope to bring the best of TACSU this year and we encourage everyone to join and participate in our events. We also hope to inspire and provide the Trent student community with an unforgettable experience. Here is to looking forward to a fantastic year.