The African Student Association is hosting its first African Cultural Festival at 7 p.m. today at the Holmes Student Center’s Duke Ellington Ballroom. The event is held to celebrate Black History Month.

Reuben Ross, a junior OMIS major and president of the ASA, said the event will introduce students to African culture.

“We are also commemorating the progress made by black people in this country,” Ross said.

The theme of the festival is “The Journey to Africa,” which features a fashion show showcasing ethnic African garments.

In addition to the fashion show, there will be two traditional African dance performances. One will be by the women of the African Student Association. Flawless dance troupe will perform the other dance.

There also will be a naming ceremony, which is a traditional ceremony conducted by many African nations, Ross said. He said the naming ceremony is an important process because the names have significant meanings behind them.

Ross said there will be a skit to show the engagement and marriage process in some African nations. Poetry readings and storytelling also will be featured at the festival.

Ross said he would encourage all students to come to this event as a learning experience.

“We hope this event will increase cultural awareness on campus,” Ross said.