Close to 200 students packed Talley Student Union’s Coastal Ballroom Wednesday night for Harambee!!, an annual event held by the African American Cultural Center (AACC) that welcomes students to the new school year.

“Harambee!! means to come together to share one another as people,” said Ali van der Schyff, a senior studying biological sciences who participated in the event’s opening drum performance.

At the gathering, the AACC’s Sankofa Theatre performed “Can You Hear Me?,” an original script by Toni Thorpe, program coordinator of the AACC, Kinesha Harris, a senior studying science, technology and society, and John Miller IV, a graduate student studying higher education administration.

The performance, which addressed inequality, privilege, bias, stereotypes and police brutality, was followed by a moment of silence. Attention was called to the vacant seats in the front row, honoring voices around the world that have been systematically silenced.

“Part of our mission is to promote awareness of and appreciation for the African-American culture and the African Diaspora,” Thorpe said.

Thorpe, affectionately referred to as “Mama” Thorpe, is retiring this year. She hopes to leave behind a legacy of kindness and acceptance.

The evening kicked off with a student drum performance, which was followed by a welcome from the emcees, who explained that ‘Harambee’ is a Swahili word meaning “let us come together.”

“In the performance there were people who have many identities and that’s what a community is,” Thorpe said. “That kind of collaboration helps the community understand that humanity is a tapestry. It’s many different textiles woven with many beautiful colors.”

Craig Brookins, associate professor of psychology and Africana studies and director of the Interdisciplinary Studies degree, performed a ritual and form of African prayer called “Libation,” in which water is poured into earth, to recognize the ancestors.

“A people without knowledge of the past are like trees without roots,” Brookins said during the Libation, quoting an African proverb.

Frances Graham, the AACC Interim Director, spoke on the Center’s celebration of its 25th anniversary, which includes events commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. as well as collaborative programs throughout the year. The theme for the anniversary celebration is “Examining Wellness in African American Spaces: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.”

Graham also acknowledged leaders, members and affiliates of organizations throughout NC State. She presented Sankofa Awards to Angela Jenkins, AACC Library coordinator, and Dawn Morgan, assistant director of the center, for excellent service to the AACC.

“It is not taboo to go back and fetch that which you have forgotten,” states the Sankofa proverb for which the award was named.

“Black alumni are all around the world and they are all supporting you,” said Matthew Williams, coordinator of the Black Alumni Society. “NC State may be 129 years old, but unfortunately we haven’t changed as much as we have needed to.”

The formal ceremony was concluded with all participants and audience members joining hands and calling “Harambee!!” seven times in a representation of interconnectedness.

“This is my third Harambee!!,” said Marc Jackson, a senior studying communication. “I go each year and commune with the people in the community.”

Kayla Overdiep, one of the event’s performers and a senior studying business administration, considers the AACC home.

“The celebration is a way to see everybody who’s coming back and celebrate another wonderful year here at state,” Overdiep said.