Celebration, dinner and song will ring out for the annual Soul Bowl Banquet this week in honor of Black Heritage Month.

The celebration is organized by Zeta Phi Beta, the BROTHERS organization and the Center for Black Studies, but all are encouraged to join in the festivities.

“The event is free and open to the public,” said Van Amos, program coordinator for the Center for Black Studies.

The banquet will take place at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Wesley Foundation, 633 W. Locust St.

Everyone is encouraged to bring dishes or refreshments if they’d like to share a favorite food for dinner, Amos said. He added that the event won’t end until the food runs out.

The event will begin with libations and greetings, followed by recital from the Black National Anthem. Next, all will join in the recital of the African Pledge, which embodies the spirit, pride and history of African-American culture.

The anthem and pledge will be followed by prayers, dinner and poetry readings.

After the readings, this year’s Miss Black NIU Chandra Crowder, runner-up Jennifer Jennings and court members Joy Bannister, Nikkita Gardner and Nekika Skinner all will be introduced.

The Center for Black Studies expects a momentous evening.

“We expect a large turnout and a great night,” said Amos.

A huge difference from last year’s program is projected as well.

“This year, we will have entertainment and more of everything,” said Dereka Southern, President of Phi Beta and co-coordinator of Soul Bowl. “We are also hoping the choir will perform a few songs.”

The Center is expecting word back from the choir this week sometime before the banquet.

The festivities will take place in the church, but the dinner will take place downstairs, Southern added.

“No one will be turned away if they don’t bring anything, but we encourage everyone to contribute anything they wish to donate to the dinner,” Southern said.

The event’s organizers encourage all to join in for an evening of celebration and fun.

“Everyone is welcome to join together and share in the fellowship of the night,” Amos said.

A warm closing to the month of February is expected from the festivities.