A new campus event during Interim for all of Wofford to enjoy
The Golden Affair is a new event taking place during Wofford’s 2019 Interim open to all members of the Wofford community. It is a formal celebration to recognize the organizations who meet in the AMS/NPHC Meadors house, where groups such as the Association of Multicultural Students (AMS) are able to meet throughout the school year.
This idea initially was a suggestion from the members of the Wofford Women of Color (WWC), who thought it would be a great way to bring all members of the Wofford community together for a big celebration during a time in the school year where students yearn for more available activities. The Wofford Women of Color realized the magnitude of planning an event like The Golden Affair, so the executive board of the WWC decided to reach out to other organizations. They began with organizations like the Association of Multicultural Students (AMS), Wofford Men of Color (WMC), Black Student Alliance (BSA), LGBTerriers, Organization for Latin American Students (OLAS) and the Muslim Student Association (MSA) since these are all organizations that typically convene in the AMS/NPHC Meadors House like WWC.
“We wanted to create an event that welcomed our classmates into a space on campus that we consider our home, the AMS Meadors house. At the same time, we wanted the campus to see the purpose and mission behind each organization,” said Nneka Mogbo, President of Wofford Women of Color.
The Golden Affair will take place January 25, 2019, during the same week as MLK Jr. Day. At the Golden Affair celebration, there will be music and hors d’oeuvres for all members of the Wofford community to enjoy. It will be a simple and formal celebration hosted by the organizations who meet in the house.
“We understand students and faculty who may not be members of our organizations or that don’t specifically share our identities may be apprehensive about supporting our organizations or joining as members and allies. For this reason, we want this event to serve as a formal welcome to the campus to see the work we do and identify ways they can be involved,” said Mogbo.
During the month of January, campus organizations like WWC, WMC, BSA, MSA, OLAS or LGBTerriers will host events that will culminate with the celebration of the Golden Affair. The format of each of these events will vary, including discussions, poetry slams and panels focusing on a range of topics. The topic of each event will be in honor of MLK Jr. and relative to the mission of the hosting organization. The MLK Jr. Student/Faculty Planning Committee’s theme for the 2019 MLK Jr. Day is #ADayOn. The theme highlights the importance of having action after conversation and conversation with action. By hosting events leading up to the Golden Affair, these organizations aim to highlight social issues and how the Wofford community could be actively involved in these organizations.
“We hope for this event to be continued yearly as a tradition. It is an initiative currently fostered by our student organizations. We would love for the college to adopt the Golden Affair as an ongoing tradition in partnership with organizations who convene in the Meadors House,” said Mogbo.
Caption: The Meadors House is located between the Kappa Alpha Theta and Pi Kappa Phi Houses at the Greek Village. It is the home of many Wofford student organizations and a beautiful space to host the Golden Affair
