If you passed the Carnahan Quadrangle on Wednesday evening, you probably caught a glimpse of Fall Fest, the annual festival that includes booths, barbecue and step dancing.

The event was held by the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center as a way to provide minority students a way to see what types of organizations are available to them.

Organized by more than 20 students from the BCC, the event featured more than 100 booths looking to reach out to students. Booths included representatives from women’s groups, National Pan-Hellenic Council fraternities, and political, religious and dancing groups. Local businesses, such as banks and hair salons also attended.

Although some organizations have been attending Fall Fest for many years, others, such as Embracing Amara, made their debut this year.

The group is dedicated to helping local high school-aged girls succeed, and was looking to find women who were interested in this type of mentoring.

“We are looking for all different types of women, from all different backgrounds,” site coordinator Alexis McVey said. “We want women to inspire other women. We are here to hold each other up.” 

Mizzou for Obama also set up a booth, encouraging students to have their voices heard by getting involved with political organizations and registering to vote.

“Minorities usually have a lower turnout for voting, so we are trying to get them to come out and vote,” sophomore Jennifer Pagan said. “We want to get students excited about the election and educate them about Obama’s platform.”

Other groups had a different goal: to raise awareness. Robbie Culp, of the MU Counseling Center, said the center set up a booth to let students know that their student fees cover counseling services.

“We want to reduce the stigma on mental health,” Culp said. “We are here to support if you have a problem.”

Members of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, the first minority organization on campus, were there for the same reason.

“We come out every year to let everyone know that we are here,” senior Justin McCain said.

The fraternity holds a variety of events throughout the year, including community service nights twice a month in the fall and once a week during the spring.

Although some students said they came out for the free barbecue catered by Bandana’s, others came to meet people.

“It’s a great opportunity to network and see what you want to be a part of, as well as a place to meet the underclassmen and help them out,” sophomore Markeyta Young said.

A disc jockey started off the event, but it was wrapped up with live performances and music by some of the organizations in attendance. The members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. opened the show with a step routine.

The BCC puts on Fall Fest every year to educate students.

“We want to show them they have so many organizations,” event staff member Celeste Tyler said. “They can do things, try things. The campus is diverse. We want them to know you have all this on campus, plus more.”