Coastal Carolina Activities Board (CAB) members are driven to make a difference on campus with different skills and knowledge.

The student-run organization plans an abundance of events for students, promoting a creative and welcoming environment at Coastal Carolina University. These members of CAB showcase the excellence of Black students in organizations around campus.

Junior recreation and sport management major Alia Smith is the current president of CAB. She joined this organization to just look for her place on campus.

“I know as a freshman, I was very introverted, shy, and in my room every single night,” Smith said. “I knew I wasn’t getting my full college experience, so I started looking at this organization.”

As a first-generation college student, making it this far in school is an accomplishment.

“I really feel the connections I have made within the [organization] and around campus because of CAB. Those are great accomplishments because it’s really hard to actually network and find people,” Smith said. “I am grateful CAB allowed me that opportunity.”

Taking on the role of a president for an organization can be challenging, but Smith knew her capabilities.

“Honestly, I was skeptical but I believe in myself, and after talking to different people, I decided to apply,” she said, “and here I am today.”

Junior communication major Terence Wright is the current director of traditional events. He joined CAB to show his creativity and to keep the tradition of events on campus alive.

“This is a place where creative ideas can flow and be expressed in a physical form,” Wright said.

Traditional events are special to Coastal Carolina since they have now been around for 50 years, which CAB celebrated on Jan. 18. “If you have an idea and you want to see it on campus, bring it to us, and boom, we can make it happen,” Wright said.

Wright’s accomplishments are not only being a part of CAB, but also being an African American Initiative for Men (AAIM) Pioneer.

“Having one of the most acclaimed talent shows, a lot of students and faculty have said that this was one of the best talent shows that the campus has seen in years,” he said.

“You want to see events evolve and get better and never be stagnant.”

With events that CAB puts out on campus, they are also known for constructing the known pageants in town including Miss Teal and Bronze, Miss Curve and Mr. CCU. Senior marine science major Dana Carraway is the current director of pageants and showcases. She described CAB as a family away from her real family.

She knew she wanted to do pageants in college since she has past experience with such events.

“Being able to progress as time goes on and take all of my lessons and be able to make critiques to myself and use them to make them better,” Carraway said regarding hertime in the position.

Anyone looking to join can email [email protected] with any questions. The meetings are held on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in Wall 309.