​Bucknell University Posse Scholar Effiem “Effy” Obasi.
​Bucknell University Posse Scholar Effiem “Effy” Obasi.

Bucknell Scholar Raises Awareness On Campus

Winter 2018 | Los Angeles

Effiem “Effy” Obasi, a sophomore Scholar at Bucknell University, is working to highight diversity and social justice not only on the Bucknell campus but also in the surrounding community.

As vice president of the Black African Students Association (BASA) and marketing coordinator of the Black Student Union (BSU), Effy plans events and programs that aim to bridge a gap between the school’s multicultural population and the campus as a whole.

This spring semester, she is working on the BASA Bash, an annual dinner involving members of the campus community and the surrounding town of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. The theme of this year’s dinner is “Innovations of Africa: Dispelling a Single Story”.

“Africa is traditionally viewed through the lens of dance, fashion and music,” says Effy. “Instead, we want to highlight how Africa is, and has always been, an advanced continent able to compete with the global community.”

The goal is to use storytelling to change preconceived notions about Africa, shifting focus to advancements being made in literature, technology and science.

Effy is also involved with BSU’s annual Stomp-Out, a step-dance competition. She is a member of the Bisonettes, a dance team that performs at Black Arts Fest, a week-long festival in February that showcases the diversity and richness of black culture.

“My early experience at Bucknell was challenging because it is different from Los Angeles in so many ways,” says Effy. “However, I found multiple outlets where I could not only impact change but have my voice heard, and I was able to form strong relationships through the organizations I became involved with.”

Effy hopes to pass forward the support she has received from her Posse, her Posse mentors, peers and student organizations.