From cultural celebrations to social advocacy, identity-based affinity groups shape student experiences at Elon University. These organizations provide students with spaces to connect over shared identities, experiences and interests while fostering inclusion and community across campus. 

Groups such as the Black Student Union, Asian-Pacific Student Association and Latinx-Hispanic Union give students opportunities to celebrate their culture, raise awareness and participate in meaningful campus events.

Black Student Union 

The Black Student Union is an organization dedicated to celebrating Black culture, supporting Black students and advocating for racial equity on campus. 

Through events including the “Art Around the World Fashion Show” and “Blackness in Bloom,” BSU provides spaces for connection, learning and cultural celebration.

Sophomore and vice president of special events for BSU Damani Grayson said the organization provides a sense of belonging for many students at a predominantly white institution.

“Especially at a PWI, it’s very important that Black students have somewhere to go because there are not many people that look like them,” Grayson said. “It’s really a home away from home.” 

Grayson said she values hearing from new members and using feedback to improve events. She said she enjoys being able to implement their ideas and be part of the difference.

“Since joining the BSU, my favorite part has definitely been talking to freshmen and getting their perspective, because I was a freshman a year ago in the same position and love hearing their feedback,” Grayson said.

BSU has also collaborated with Elon’s National Pan-Hellenic Council on “Coolin’ on the Commons” and with the Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education on “Town Hall” initiatives that bring students together for dialogue, unity and community engagement.

Asian Pacific Student Association

The Asian Pacific Student Association serves as a community for students of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage while welcoming others interested in learning about API cultures. 

Through events like the “Lunar New Year Celebration” and “Ramen Across Asia,” APSA highlights Asian and Pacific Islander traditions in interactive and engaging ways.

Junior and APSA president Cece Ebora said the group provides a space to celebrate heritage and learn from one another.

“APSA is a safe space for all those identifying as Asian, Asian-American and Pacific-Islander,” Ebora said. “To me, APSA is an opportunity to learn more about Asia rather than just staying in my own little corner of Southeast Asia.”

For Ebora, the relationships formed within the organization stand out.

“The people make the experience. It has been such a privilege getting to know different people from all over the world,” Ebora said. “I’ve learned so much from their experiences, and many of them have inspired my own.”

APSA has also partnered with K-DNS — a student K-pop performance group — for “Tanghulu Making and Random Play Dance” and with RISE — an initiative within the Gender & LGBTQIA Center that highlights queer and trans people of color — for “Rainbow Boba.” These collaborations showcase creativity and encourage connections across student communities.

Latinx-Hispanic Union

The Latinx-Hispanic Union connects students with Latine and Hispanic backgrounds, while welcoming the broader campus community to engage with cultural traditions from Central and Latin America. 

The group organizes events such as “Churros and Chisme” and “Paletas en el Patio,” which create spaces for conversation and community. They not only celebrate traditions but also create a sense of pride and belonging for students.

Sophomore and co-event coordinator of LHU Stephanie Diaz said the group helps students connect with their culture and with one another.

“We try to build community and unity within all the Latinx/Hispanic people here on campus,” Diaz said. “For me specifically, this means being more in tune with my culture and who I am, and finding people I can relate to.”

Diaz said planning events and seeing students enjoy them is a highlight of her involvement.

“Being able to plan the events and then bring a smile to people’s faces… it’s very rewarding to see everyone come together and have fun,” Diaz said.

LHU has also partnered with El Centro, a campus center that serves as an educational and cultural hub, encouraging community engagement. Together, they host “Noche Latina” and “Café con Leche,” events that showcase collaboration and invite the broader campus community to participate in Latine traditions.