Howard University held its annual organization fair last week on the Yard during one of the hottest days in the Washington, D.C. area since 1980, reaching a record 101 degrees.
Many students were apprehensive about coming to or working the organization fair on Aug. 28 due to the high temperatures. Some even hoped the fair was postponed to a later and cooler date.
The organization fair, often referred to as “the org fair,” is an event for students to familiarize themselves with student organizations, clubs and communities on campus. These organizations include but aren’t limited to political groups, sports clubs, Greek letter organizations, geographical clubs, religious organizations and much more.
Many current members of clubs and organizations look forward to welcoming prospective members following the event.
Adrienne Gordon, a senior honors political science major and legal communications minor from Pennsylvania, is a member of the student organization, Black Girls Vote Inc.
According to Howard University’s department of political science, “Black Girls Vote Inc. is a grassroots, national, non-partisan, nonprofit organization with an objective of engaging, educating and empowering Black women, particularly those 18-25 years old, to activate their voice by utilizing their vote.”
Gordon said she is optimistic about potential members joining, as she said we are in a season where votes, especially from Black women, are very important.
“I think that Black Girls Vote is an org that is very tailored because we’re reaching the general election, and the org fair is sort of our bread and butter that we’ve done since our inception,” Gordon said. “BGV is a close-knit group, and it’s fun getting to know everybody. So I think that if this is something you’re interested in, definitely come check us out.”
Sports clubs were also present for students to find community through exercise and staying active.
Kristin Lewis, a junior biology major and environmental studies and chemistry double minor from New Jersey, is a member of the Howard University Rugby Club.
“The club became active in 2021 and was started by our captain at the time to bring more Black girls into rugby because there aren’t a lot of Black women in rugby, so we really try to open that barrier,” Lewis said.
She also had a word of advice about her org for students who didn’t get a chance to attend the fair. She urged those interested to just “show up.”
“We love people with no experience, and we want people to experience the sport because it’s so much fun,” she said.
Taiwo Adebowale, a sophomore advertising major from Baltimore, is a member of the Howard University Skateboarding Club. According to HBCUsports.com, it is the first-ever HBCU skateboarding club.
Adebowale described the club’s atmosphere as “chill” with “good vibes.”
“The club was founded in 2022 and formed by women. There’s a lot of words that can describe us as a club, but in my opinion and interpretation, our philosophy is just chilling and skating,” said Adebowale. “You come with an open mind, at any level, and bring the good vibes.”
Adebowale is optimistic that the club will receive a surplus of members following a viral TikTok last summer about the club being the first-ever HBCU skateboarding club.
“Lots of people have been coming by our table and are interested, so I’m really glad that video gave us the exposure we needed,” they said.
They also want people to know that anyone is welcome to join, despite persisting narratives that skateboarding is for just one group of people.
“I’ve noticed that a lot of people within the Black community, especially women, are hesitant to skateboard because it’s a white-dominated thing. But there are Black people who skate,” Adebowale said. “We accept everybody of all levels and we always have boards on deck.”
In addition to members of organizations that were there to represent and share information about their organizaitons, most students came to the fair to learn about the variety of campus groups they could potentially become a part of.
Alyson Philbert, a freshman honors math major on the pre-med track from Brooklyn, said she came to the org fair after finding out about it through Instagram.
“I was at the Intramural sports interest meeting and was advised to come here because the volleyball club would be here. I’m also interested in getting into more things because I want to be more social and get into more communities at Howard,” she said.
Philbert also found interest in a variety of clubs, attending the fair in hopes of learning more about them as well.
“I saw the roller skating club and I like roller skating, so I want to learn a bit more about it. I’m also interested in a jazz club because I want to learn how to play the saxophone, and maybe something math-related so I can find a better math community,” she said.
When asked if there was anything Philbert would change or like to see done differently regarding the fair, Philbert said, “Maybe a different day, because it’s hot. And, maybe some tents if we’re not going to change the day.”
Josiah Johnson, a junior communications major from Los Angeles, came to the fair looking for more student involvement on campus.
“Being a transfer student, I’m looking for student involvement on campus because I was really involved in my community college. I’m trying to find about two or three clubs I could join,” he said.
Johnson also mentioned the heat as a factor affecting the org fair experience.
“I think the biggest complaint probably everybody would have would just be the heat right now. But, overall, I think the format is cool,” he said.
Dominic Harold, a senior marketing major from Maryland, came to the org fair to support two of his organizations.
“I’m here for the Collegiate 100 of Howard University, and I’m also here for Models of The Mecca. I am a member of both, so I wanted to see all of my family members, and it helps that they’re both right next to each other.”
Harold was the third person to mention the sweltering heat.
“For one, it’s been hot every year. It’s nice having everybody on The Yard, but there could definitely be some type of covering. I don’t know how much tents cost the University. But, if there can be tents for homecoming, I’m sure there could be tents for a day at the org fair. It’s extremely hot, and people are out here sweating,” Harold said.
Copy edited by Jalyn Lovelady
