The annual Black Fall Welcome fair kicked off on Tuesday with nearly 15 organizations in attendance.

Among those in attendance were a number of sororities, fraternities and clubs looking to recruit new members.

“It is important for African-American organizations to be represented on campus,” said Shani Alford, a senior business marketing major. “We’re looking to recruit transfer students and freshmen but everyone is always welcome.”

The event is scheduled to last two weeks and will include an introductory event, forums and outings all in the name of introducing black students to the school, faculty and students.

“It’s hard for a lot of students who are from predominantly black neighborhoods to come to Sacramento State and be around a lot of different people,” said Brande Hubbard, a senior and president of the Sac State chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers.

The event is meant to unite everyone not just black people, said Jasmin Jennings a senior electrical engineering major. It allows people from all culture to hang out and see what other people and clubs are all about, she said.

“It brings awareness that there are diverse groups that can organize,” Jennings said. “It helps fight stereotypes.”

The event began in the early ’80s and is back after a one-year hiatus last year.

“(It) stemmed from the Pan-African organization,” said Mozeek Johnson, the president of the Black Fall Welcome Fair. “It allows time for black organization to get together.”

The next two weeks are expected to be extremely successful, Johnson said.

“We held Organization Night last week and it was pretty much successful,” Johnson said. “600 people attended and it really helped the cause.”

Ashley Evans can be reached at [email protected]