Similar to All-Star weekend, it is over-hyped. To the unsuspecting, it’s just the outdoor seating to the Riverfront Center. But if you’re of the African-American persuasion, you simply know it as “Little Africa.” What is “Little Africa?”

“It’s a lot of black folks just chilling,” Chris Samuels, senior said.

As a transfer student from Sacramento City College, I was already accustomed to being around mostly blacks. The entire campus of SCC was, and as far as I know, still is, “Little Africa.” So, what is this poor excuse for a meeting spot for blacks? “Little Africa” literally extends from the outdoor seating in front of the Riverfront Center to the back doors of Mendocino Hall. Most people don’t even acknowledge it as “Little Africa” because the winter months have pushed everyone inside. When the warmer weather rolls around, watch out. Freshman Nicole Hill was a little uncertain about “Little Africa.”

“I always wondered what’s going on,” Hill said.

I think we could do better. If we are going to designate a particular area of campus as ours, we could’ve at least picked a better area. Then again, who designated “Little Africa” as such?

If it were up to me, I would re-designate “Little Africa” to the Library Quad, somewhere around the fountain. There’s something about that area that just screams free-thinking. Not to get all philosophical, but what better place to encourage loitering, eating and intelligent conversation than the library quad?

The location of “Little Africa” is not my only concern. I often find myself pondering if “Little Africa” serves its purpose. In my head, I always viewed “Little Africa” as this Mecca for intelligent thinking and conversation. Just the name “Little Africa” screams thought-provoking conversation.

What do I see and hear when I pass by “Little Africa?” Well, other than those ruthless lunch-stealing squirrels, I see loitering and, on occasion, I hear music. Yes, real live music coming from a portable stereo. And here I thought carrying your stereo went the way of pop-locking and Adidas tracksuits. And not that I have anything against music and loitering, because I’m a fan of both especially the latter. I just think “Little Africa” could be put to better use. Freshman Anjeleah Teddington claims she sees a limited amount of blacks in “Little Africa.”

“If I do see black people, they want to pass out fliers,” Teddington said.

I’m well aware that there are many black-centered clubs and organizations here on campus. How about setting up tables to bring awareness to your club/organization and its purpose? Let’s not stop there! Just because you’re not black doesn’t mean you can’t join in any of the reindeer games. Multicultural clubs and organizations, feel free to bring your tables over and setup. The more, the merrier! I truly believe that incorporating people from all different ethnicities can help “Little Africa” live to its full potential. Hill seemed to reiterate the general sentiment among black students at Sacramento State.

“You’ve just got to stick together because there aren’t a lot of us here,” Hill said.

Oneika Richardson can be reached at [email protected]