On Sunday April 18, 1982, renowned poet Nikki Giovanni performed in Memorial Hall for the Congress of African Students's 12th Annual Black Arts Festival. The theme that year was "Expressions in Black."
"Writer, poet, recording artist and journalist is often referred to as the Princess of Black Poetry. Her works are collected experiences of being Black, being a woman, a mother, a person."
Members of the Congress of African Students included Gregory Wright, Terri Doutcher, Albert Moore, May Ellen Serchak, Linda Fisher (Prime minister), Lauren Atwell (Minister of Culture), Cindy Ivory (Secretary), Darlene Brindle, Elaine Watson (Minister of Interaction), Nathaniel Lee, Roderick Flowers (Chairman, Black Arts Festival), Kevin Johnson (Minister of Information), Emmanuel Achampong, Curtis Gomez, Francis Nunoo-Quarcoo, David Waties, Dianne Kennedy (Minister of Action). The advisors of the club were Mrs. Wanda Ruffin and Dr. Robert Ness.