Angel Isioma Oparah
Staff Writer
The University of La Verne held a Community Fair that featured nonprofits, student organizations, and more Tuesday morning in front of the Ludwick Center. The goal of the fair was to promote service opportunities for students within the local community.
Over 10 organizations participated, lining the sidewalks to showcase their offerings to students. Booths represented diverse organizations, including the La Verne Office of Civic and Community Engagement, Unity of Pomona, which is an interfaith community, the African American Museum of Beginnings, based in Pomona, and several student clubs.
Compassionate Pomona, an organization that serves the local community through various projects was also present during this fair.
“We’ve been involved with the University for more than 15 years, and the University itself is very community-oriented,” said Jane Chase, a coordinator for Compassionate Pomona.
In partnership with Compassionate Pomona is Unity of Pomona, an interfaith organization, which works hand in hand to hold events with other organizations to empower students and those within the community.
Also on hand was the Social Justice Advocacy Project, an organization that teaches and mentors students about social justice within the Black community, which was founded by Thomas Allison, assistant professor of legal studies. They work together to ensure students of Black and African heritage have a place to socialize and incorporate their background.
The nonprofits conducted raffles for prizes, including gift cards for local businesses.
“Our office has been organizing community partner fairs for quite some time, and the inspiration is to keep them involved with community engagement and volunteer programs,” said Julissa Espinoza, director of the Office of Civic and Community Engagement.
“This is my first time attending a community fair on campus,” said Naakoshi Imhotep, senior legal studies major. “I found it very informational, and it allows for you to find where you are most passionate.”
“I really do like how this fair is directed towards students and making their college experience better,” said Malcolm Jones, a junior sociology major.
The University will hold another event “Building the Beloved Community” from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday in the Ludwick Center Sacred Space where students and facilitators can share their ideas.
Angel Isioma Oparah can be reached at angel.oparah@laverne.edu.
Angel Isioma Oparah is a staff writer for the Campus Times and a sophomore journalism major with a concentration in broadcast journalism. In her free time, she enjoys reading and writing blogs.
