The annual Fall Fest was held Sept. 10 in the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center, introducing incoming and current minority students to a series of student clubs and organizations.

More than 25 tables for student activities, Greek Life organizations, beauty and hair salons and local Columbia businesses tabled this year, hoping to attract new members.

“(Fall Fest is) a great way for people to get involved, network, and make friends,” junior Kalynn Jones said.

Among the numerous organizations present was the Chancellor’s Diversity Initiative, which seeks to create an inclusive and welcoming campus for students of all walks of life.

Diversity Peer Educators is a similar organization that urges students to speak about the issues of diversity and multiculturalism in society. DPE aims to educate the communities of Columbia and MU on peace, social justice and inclusion.

Several smaller groups also were in attendance at Fall Fest, such as the African Students Association, the Caribbean Students Association, South Asian Students Association and Hispanic American Leadership Organization.

The LGBTQ Resource Center also hosted a table to create a welcoming environment for students of all sexual orientations.

The event is a “celebration for minority students,” senior Joel Dalton said.

Fall Fest hosted MU’s own organizations as well as local Columbia businesses, providing students with resources for legal issues, scholar programs and health care.

Along with these businesses were multiple salons and beauty parlors such as Rumors Beauty Salon, Haby Hair Braiding and A Cut Above the Rest.

Also represented were several religious organizations such as Mizzou Chi Alpha and the Catholic Student Association. Greek Life made an appearance at the event, as well as fine arts groups, such as His Life Dance Ministry and the Indie Poets.

“Fall Fest is a way for students who are not from traditional backgrounds to get involved,” junior Delan Ellington said. “It’s a way to be able to find a place on campus in a friendly way.”