NIU students were introduced to African culture Thursday night at the Holmes Student Center’s Duke Ellington Ballroom when the African Student Association hosted its first African Cultural Fest.

The ballroom was filled with NIU students.

“The turnout far exceeded our expectations,” said Rueben Ross, president of the African Student Association.

The members of the African Student Association showed many aspects of African culture.

Many dancers performed at the event. The organization showed NIU students how to do a Soul Train line – African-style. The dance, similar to the American Soul Train line, featured authentic African dance and dress. There also were two separate dance performances by the men and women of the African Student Association.

Flawless, an NIU dance group, performed at the event as well. The group did an African dance to the scene of the popular Eddie Murphy film “Coming to America.”

“We decided to participate in the production because we wanted to do something purposeful besides participating in Homecoming events and talent shows,” said Marketa Govan, vice president of Flawless.

There was a scene that illustrated the process of naming a newborn baby. The process was similar to a christening, except the child is not named until after he or she has been blessed.

The marriage proposal scene showed the traditional way a man proposes to a woman. An African man goes to his intended bride’s house with gifts for her family. The man asks her father for permission to be married. If the daughter agrees, the father approves the marriage.

The African Student Association modeled traditional African garments in a runway show. The runway show featured formal and casual garments worn by several African cultures.

Many students were pleased with the event.

“It was a wonderful experience,” said Sheri Cox, a junior elementary education major. “I learned many things about African culture.”

Ross said the event took about two months to plan. The event’s purpose was to show NIU students that there is more to black culture than western ideals, he said.

“Our goal was to take part in Black Heritage Month by showing black students their attachment to Africa,” he said.