Being a Part of the African American Arts Institute
As a student at a big university such as IU, you do whatever it takes to make it seem smaller. As a biracial woman, there are various cultural clubs that I can be a part of. One of my favorite things that I have done at IU is join the African American Arts Institute (AAAI).
When my dad went to IU in the 80’s, he was also a part of the AAAI. He was in the African American Choral Ensemble (AACE) and the IU Soul Revue (IUSR). There is also a third ensemble called the African American Dance Company (AADC) that neither of us had the opportunity to be a part of. I decided that I wanted to carry on the legacy, so I auditioned for AACE. I had been in choir since I was 12, and I really missed singing and performing. When I got in, my dad and I were so excited. It was one of the many experiences we shared on our separate journeys through IU. When I got my Robe and my Dashiki, I felt a sense of home like I had never felt on IU’s campus. I found my place at IU, and it was funnily the same place my dad had found 30 years earlier. I actually had the opportunity to share the stage with my dad in an alumni concert, and it was amazing.
We sang songs written by, produced by, or composed by members of the African American community. Some of my favorites include “I Got a Robe”, “There’s Hope”, and “Oh Happy Day”. I learned so many songs that I wouldn’t have otherwise known. I also met so many people that I wouldn’t have otherwise met. One thing that is great about the AAAI is, you don’t have to be African American to join one of the three ensembles. If you have a passion for music (dancing, singing, or playing an instrument), there is a place for you in the AAAI.
I only had the pleasure of being a part of this community for one year, but if I had more time in my schedule, I would have done so much more. I would have auditioned for the dance company, and done AACE for another year or two. Finding a place to be creative with like-minded people is so important. Especially in a university setting where everyone is usually so concerned with academia. My best advice to anyone reading this would be to add a class to your schedule like AACE, dance, drawing, etc. where you can be creative and have some fun. It lightens your course load and the homework that you do have is usually fun and a great stress reliever.
