Since the early 2010s, Hump Wednesday has been a hallmark event for students across the Atlanta University Center (AUC). The Sept. 24 edition stood out as the Campus Alliance for Student Activities (CASA) partnered with Vybz Caribbean Student Association (VYBZ CSA), the African Students Association (ASA) and AUC AfroLatinidad for a heritage-themed celebration titled “Wave Your Flag.”
Held in front of the Kilgore steps, the event showcased students proudly displaying flags while singing and dancing to music from African, Afro-Latin and Caribbean traditions. Vendors sold T-shirts decorated with national emblems and plates of African and Caribbean cuisine.
The occasion also marked the reintroduction of Vybz CSA to the Morehouse community. Once considered the cornerstone of Caribbean heritage in the AUC, the group faced restrictions after a 2022 incident raised concerns.
“Due to safety concerns and unsafe choices made by students at the time, the event was deemed unsafe,” CASA President Jordan Dunston said.
Despite the setback, VYBZ continued its mission of service and engagement in smaller ways. For many underclassmen, the “Wave Your Flag” event was their first opportunity to see the organization in full force.
“It allows AUC students of Caribbean descent to understand there is a place to celebrate their culture within the AUC,” Vybz CSA member Nia Givans said.
Organizers emphasized that beyond the cultural pride on display, the event underscored the diversity of the African diaspora.
“This event reemphasizes that both AUC students and people of African descent are not a monolith,” Dunston said. “We are made up of a wide array of cultures and backgrounds.”
