AARC | Graphic provided by African-American Residential Caucus (AARC) | Wright State University
The African American Residential Caucus is one of several residential student organizations at Wright State University, designed to be a resource and voice for African American students.
What is the AARC?
The African American Residential Caucus was created to make a safe space for African American students to find community with one another and serve as a place to direct their specific questions and concerns.
The organization was started in the mid-1980s by a group of students who wanted to create an outlet. The organization has been student-led ever since.
Briunna Ferba, the advisor for the AARC, shared the importance of advocating for yourself as a student.
“Without the students, AARC would not be who they are today, with the understanding that their focus may be different but their mission is still the same,” Ferba said.
The AARC holds events throughout the year. Although the organization was created to help African American students, the events are open to all WSU students. Some of these events include hot cocoa and ornament making, Taco Tuesday Karaoke Night, Y2K Night and others.
The president, with the help of other members, writes a Constitution for the organization to follow throughout the year, highlighting the duties of individual positions and the group as a whole.
“The purpose of this organization is to create social support, unity, pride and a sense of inclusion among African American residents,” the Constitution reads.
When students can find a community with like-minded students, they become more confident and empowered to speak up for themselves. This is what the AARC does.
Student impact
It is critical that students feel supported and have a place they can turn to when issues arise. Seeing students benefit from the organization is one of the biggest rewards.
Mylie Green, an African American student at WSU, shared what the AARC purpose is to her.
“It’s for African American residents on campus to help them succeed and feel supported in a predominantly white institution,” Green said.
The AARC is not just for African American students, but also for students who want to use their voice to make positive changes to WSU and want to learn how.
“From bringing in outside speakers/educators to collaborating with other student organizations, AARC has had positive and intentional conversations that allow students that live on campus to have a positive experience,” Ferba said.
How to get involved
There are many different positions inside the AARC, including the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, public relations chair, collaborations chair and street team.
It is easy to become part of the AARC. If you are interested in getting involved, you can interact with their social media accounts on both Instagram and TikTok. Also, showing up to the events and being added to their Group Me is a great way to get a foot in the door.
Most information is shared by word of mouth so if you have interest in joining the organization, or are already involved, be sure to spread the word to other students.
