African Student Association hosts its 40th annual Fall Ball

Junior business management major Phrank Aidoo and sophomore pre-nursing major Chelsea Amadi celebrate their win on stage (Ashley Ankapong/The Black Explosion)

Sophomore pre-nursing major Chelsea Amadi and junior business management major Phrank Aidoo were crowned Mr. and Mrs. ASA on Sunday at the African Student Association’s annual Fall Ball held in the STAMP Grand Ballroom.

Amadi was nicknamed “The Chosen One” as she was the only girl competing for Mrs. ASA. 

“Honestly, I wish I competed against someone to get the full pageant experience, but I still put in my all into my content regardless of whether someone was running against me or not,'' said Amadi. “It was a great experience and I’m happy I did it.”

Aidoo says he is honored and blessed about his win.

“My sleepless nights and hard work finally paid off. This is a true testimony of never giving up and surrounding yourself with positive people,” Aidoo said.

The Fall Ball is in its 40th year, where the new Mr. and Mrs. ASA are chosen by a panel of UMD alumni who serve as judges. The event occurs at the end of ASA’s Africa Week, according to TerpLink.

The African Student Association (ASA) has been at the University of Maryland campus since 1981, according to their mission statement on TerpLink. The organization serves a purpose to encourage the spirit of unity, togetherness and humanity with its members and across campus. 

ASA also is devoted to promoting the positive side of African culture and lending helping hands to their motherland. 

Following the event, Amadi and Aidoo plan to put their platforms into action. Amadi plans to educate her peers on sexual violence and the impact it has on mental health by presenting as much information as she can and helping victims of sexual violence that suffer from mental illness.

“I believe people are aware of sexual violence and mental health as separate issues but they are very much related and this needs to be addressed more,” Amadi said.

Aidoo plans to increase community engagement at the university by promoting food drives and hosting fundraisers.

“Sharing is caring and a blessing, which is why I chose this platform to support them in any way I can and appeal to their needs,” said Aidoo. “My contribution will help put smiles on their faces.”