Ifetayo Celebration Presented By Sojourner-Douglass College
The Ifetayo (pronounced E-fa-tie-yo)
Celebration is a celebration of self-respect, self-determination
and agape "brotherly love." These elements were so
prevalent and flowing throughout the Sojourner-Douglass College
community in the winter of 1981-82 that several students,
administrators, and staff members were inspired to host a "Love
Ball" to magnify this atmosphere. The first "Love Ball"
was held in February 1982. It was a highly successful,
positive, and entertaining affair. The Student
Government Association (SGA) and Sojourner-Douglass College
moved to host this event annually.
The name of the "Love Ball" was
changed during the planning of the third annual affair to more
precisely define the purpose of the celebration and to separate
it from the "sweetheart" affairs and events that take place
during the month of February. While the love between a man
and a woman is most certainly honored and respected in our
community, we felt the need to expand that love and to emphasize
and encourage black people to love themselves and each other-as
people. During a renaming contest at Sojourner-Douglass
College, a student submitted the name "Ifetayo" which is a West
African word that means "love brings happiness." The SGA
felt this name was appropriate and reflected the intent of the
celebration. Thus the birth of the "Ifetayo Celebration!"
The Ifetayo (pronounced E-fa-tie-yo)
Celebration is a celebration of self-respect, self-determination
and agape "brotherly love." These elements were so
prevalent and flowing throughout the Sojourner-Douglass College
community in the winter of 1981-82 that several students,
administrators, and staff members were inspired to host a "Love
Ball" to magnify this atmosphere. The first "Love Ball"
was held in February 1982. It was a highly successful,
positive, and entertaining affair. The Student
Government Association (SGA) and Sojourner-Douglass College
moved to host this event annually.
The name of the "Love Ball" was
changed during the planning of the third annual affair to more
precisely define the purpose of the celebration and to separate
it from the "sweetheart" affairs and events that take place
during the month of February. While the love between a man
and a woman is most certainly honored and respected in our
community, we felt the need to expand that love and to emphasize
and encourage black people to love themselves and each other-as
people. During a renaming contest at Sojourner-Douglass
College, a student submitted the name "Ifetayo" which is a West
African word that means "love brings happiness." The SGA
felt this name was appropriate and reflected the intent of the
celebration. Thus the birth of the "Ifetayo Celebration!"