[[Image:N3903278_30026599_6631.jpg|left|thumb|WASO Members enjoying a West African staple, Jollof rice.]]
The Williams African Students Organization, more commonly known as (WASO ) is a group for African comprised of students and those interested who share an interest in the African continent. The group's purpose is two foldopen to all students.
WASO serves as an avenue for African students and those interested in the African continent to gather and discuss issues pertinent to Africans in a friendly spaceThe group's purpose is two fold.
The organization also serves as a medium to educate the larger campus community about Africa and African issues and triumphs. Members of WASO aim to represent Africa to the campus community in a positive light and by doing so attempt to mitigate the negative image of Africa that is so prevalent in the media. To this end WASO organizes a yearly African Heritage Days, whereby a positive theme about Africa is showcased. Also, in Spring 2009, WASO will publish its first issue of the Horn, a magazine dedicated to disseminating news about African issues to the campus through print media.
Some of the events WASO has sponsored serves as an avenue for all students to gather and discuss issues pertinent to Africa in a friendly space. This includes a trip to Smith for an Africana studies conferencediscussions about events that are currently happening in and outside Africa, several and also events that occur on campus parties showcasing and their effect on the African music, several trips out of the purple bubble for members, especially international members to broaden their horizonscommunity at Williams.
Meetings are WASO also organizes a number of events such as the African Heritage Week, that showcase Africa’s rich culture. WASO also brings in speakers to talk about issues affecting the continent. In Addition to that, every Saturday at 6PM at Dodd HouseSpring, WASO publishes the Horn, a magazine dedicated to disseminating news about African issues to the campus through print media.
Some of the events WASO has sponsored includes a trip to Smith College for an Africana studies conference, several campus parties showcasing African music, several trips out of the purple bubble for members, especially international members to broaden their horizons. WASO holds meetings at 6pm every Saturday in the Heinze lounge in Paresky. For more information about WASO's African Heritage Days, check out our [http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=79380329090&ref=nf groups/112917392082428/ facebook page.]
