Throughout the year, the Organization for Students of African Descent (OSAD) hosts numerous events for students at SUNY Brockport to attend. Valentine’s week, which is also OSAD Week on campus, in particular had a large list of events to attend. From Capture the Flag, All Blacks Rehearsal and Paint and Sip, OSAD welcomed anyone that could come out and support their events.

Sierra Stevens is a junior at SUNY Brockport with a major in dance and a minor in media production. Stevens is also the president of OSAD. 

“We advocate for students of African descent, and our mission is to gain diversity and unity on campus,” said Stevens. 

While OSAD’s main goal is to deepen students’ engagement with events in Africa, increase awareness of global systems that exploit Africans, and address the ongoing hardships faced by Africans and African Americans, the club isn’t exclusive to students of African descent on campus. 

“Showing up to the events is crucial, we don’t want students to think that only black students can come to these events. We are open to all, and we really advocate to educate students that don’t know what’s going on in the world around them,” said Stevens. 

Paint and Sip was one of the largest turnouts for OSAD. At the event, students were given a blank canvas and allowed to paint whatever they were inspired by.  

Students at the event would paint, get food, and mingle with each other. A majority of the students would paint things that brought them joy in their life. If a student was stuck, they would go over to somebody at a different canvas and get inspiration from them. 

If you are curious about any future events hosted by OSAD, the best way to keep up to date is to use MYBrockport or by following their Instagram (WEAREOSAD).