After a two-and-a-half-year hiatus, the University of Minnesota’s Sudanese Student Union (SSU) returned in spring 2024 and has been throwing events since.
The SSU has held five events and a bake sale since its revival, including the collaboration of the Welcome Back BBQ and the Shai and Summer events this semester.
SSU President Abdul Eltigani said he and a group of other Sudanese students decided to bring the group back because there was a lack of Sudanese representation on campus.
On Thursday, the SSU held the Silence is Violence teach-in event to touch on the context behind the crisis in Sudan and talk about the modern history of Sudan and the events leading up to the war.
During the event, Eltigani gave a presentation on the history of Sudan, focusing on different aspects of the Sudanese crisis.
The teach-in also featured Sudanese American writer and editor Sara Elhassan as a guest speaker. Elhassan participated in a question-and-answer panel after.
Etigani said he was very pleased with the event’s turnout.
“We had a lot of people that didn’t know about Sudan or did want to learn more and how they could help,” Etigani said. “They pulled through and showed their support.”
Etigani said students can expect to see more events next semester that are going to bring more Sudanese culture to Minneapolis.
Fall 2021 was the last time the group was fully functioning, according to Eltigani. Graduating members and students’ conflicting commitments led to the group’s dissolvement.
Eltigani said his uncle gave him the idea to bring the club back after making a passing comment wondering what happened to the club.
“He was really the spark that brought us all back into it, and I’m really thankful for it,” Eltigani said.
SSU is a place for everyone, regardless of their ethnic origin or where they come from, according to Eltigani.
“It’s a place for you to intermingle with other cultures, not just Sudanese,” Eltigani said. “We just want you to know that it’s just a very comfortable place for you to have fun, make friends, learn a little bit about other people and a little bit about yourself in the process.”
SSU Vice President Mahmoud Elkhalifa was one of the students who brought SSU back to campus in the spring.
Elkhalifa said it is incredibly important to have the SSU on campus because Sudanese culture is so unique.
“I think it’s incredibly important that we have a space for incoming Sudanese students who are younger and need guidance,” Elkhalifa said. “A place for them to find mentors, friends, study buddies, whatever it may be to navigate the fun and sometimes painful transition period which is college.”
Elkhalifa said he wants people to know that Sudanese people can be very happy, lively and friendly.
“We take care of our loved ones and our loved ones aren’t just our family, it’s our friends, community, our university and it’s our city,” Elkhalifa said. “I feel like this group since it started last spring has only put positive energy into the environment.”
SSU Public Relations Officer Shahd Hagelsafy runs its social media accounts. She said the group is a second family for her.
“Something about Sudanese people is that when we meet each other, we click instantly, all of a sudden you’re getting invited to our weddings,” Hagelsafy said.
Hagelsafy said it is important to have SSU on campus because many people do not know much about Sudanese culture and it is the Union’s job to promote it and spread awareness of Sudanese issues.
