ASU's Black African Coalition Celebrates Black Excellence

Student group highlights Black history being written every day on campus

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Arizona State University's Black African Coalition is honoring Black history and celebrating the achievements of Black students on campus. The group recently held a photoshoot featuring Black students wearing ASU merchandise, sharing their experiences and feelings about representing the next generation of Black excellence at the university.

Why it matters

The Black African Coalition's efforts showcase how Black history is an ongoing story, with today's students building upon the legacy of past generations. By partnering with the Sun Devil Campus Stores and Black-owned businesses, the coalition is amplifying the voices and contributions of the Black community at ASU.

The details

On February 5, members of ASU's Black African Coalition attended a photoshoot featuring Black students across the university's campuses. Wearing ASU merchandise, the students shared their experiences and feelings about being part of the next chapter of Black excellence at the school. The coalition also works to support the recruitment, retention, and graduation of Black students, while increasing their visibility through advocacy. Throughout the year, the coalition creates spaces for Black students to connect and succeed, partnering with the Sun Devil Campus Stores to highlight the evolving history on campus.

  • The photoshoot took place on February 5, 2026.
  • Black History Month is celebrated annually in February.

The players

Black African Coalition

A student group at Arizona State University that unifies 18 student organizations and Greek life groups with a mission to support the recruitment, retention, and graduation of Black students, while increasing their campus visibility through advocacy.

Maya Richman

A second-year student at ASU who participated in the Black African Coalition photoshoot.

ASAP ELITE MEDIA

A Black-owned vendor that created popular merchandise featuring ASU football players, allowing Black entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their work.

Rob Penn

The owner of ASAP ELITE MEDIA.

Victoria Williams

A first-year student at ASU who is part of the Black African Coalition and appreciates the diverse opportunities and events the group offers.

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What they’re saying

“Black History Month means celebrating how far we've come, and then also looking forward to the future of all the things we can do, and we are working towards.”

— Maya Richman, Second-year student (Az Business Magazine)

“By understanding our players and the dedication that drives their high-intensity environment, we find creative ways to bring our culture to life. Don't just overcome, redefine what's possible.”

— Rob Penn, Owner, ASAP ELITE MEDIA (Az Business Magazine)

“I love all the different organizations and opportunities the community has to offer, as well as the diversity within the school. ASU makes you feel welcome, especially with being a part of the Black African Coalition, seeing all the different events they're hosting and working towards to make sure we celebrate our culture.”

— Victoria Williams, First-year student (Az Business Magazine)

What’s next

The Black African Coalition plans to continue hosting events and initiatives throughout the year to support and celebrate the Black community at Arizona State University.

The takeaway

Arizona State University's Black African Coalition is actively shaping the ongoing story of Black history on campus, empowering students to share their experiences, connect with each other, and redefine what's possible for the next generation of Black excellence.