Two NIU student groups will attempt to integrate diversity and culture this afternoon with the presentation of the first annual Multi-Cultural Celebration.

“The Multi-Cultural Celebration is a combination of every aspect of art you can imagine,” said Christina Evans, a junior communication and business major.

The event, hosted by El Fuego Del Pueblo and the Youth Culture Initiative Board, will take place from 3 to 9 p.m. today at Central Park, between Grant and Stevenson halls.

In February, these two organizations, along with the African Student Association, made their first attempt at bringing different groups together by hosting the first annual Cultural Summit at the Holmes Student Center’s Diversions Lounge. That event included special guest Afrika Bambaataa, founder of the Zulu nation, and many other performers.

“February’s event was amazing, but this one will be 10 times more intense,” said Rosalyn Pedraza, a senior business and Spanish translation major.

El Fuego and the youth board will present the plethora-performers of Poetree Chicago Inc. Poetree will showcase its unique style of rap-acting poetry. Chicago groups AfriCaribe and Bomba-Plena will add a new element to the cultural festivities, as well.

Along with the Multi-Cultural Celebration, today is also the start of Lil’ Sibs Weekend, hosted by the Residence Hall Association.

“The young people that come to visit will be exposed to some of the finer social aspects Northern has to offer,” said Alex Underwood, RHA administrative vice-president. “It is really exciting that there are so many things going on this weekend.”

A self-proclaimed “poetic pyromaniac,” Khari B also will perform.

“I am coming to start a fire,” Khari B said.

Poetry and dance are not the only things to expect from this free event. Music, theater, martial arts and capoiera, an African-Brazilian martial art, are on the line-up of festivities.

The indoor location for cold or rainy weather is the Holmes Student Center’s Diversions Lounge.

“This is a continuation of what we want to do on this campus,” said Gema Gaete-Tapia, member of El Fuego Del Pueblo, “which is bring diverse cultures together.”