The rhythms, culture and cuisines of several African countries will flow through Morgantown on Saturday, March 26, as the West Virginia University African Students’Association (ASA) presents its annual Africa Night event.

The gathering will be from 4-8 p.m. in the Blue and Gold Room of the Towers Residential Complex on the Evansdale campus.

Africa Night, organizers say, is one of a series of events that the organization sponsors to promote awareness of African history and culture.

“One of the reasons we host Africa Night is to help people understand that Africa is a continent made up of 54 countries, each with unique histories, artifacts and cultural expressions,”said Yohannes Hailu, an economics major from Eritrea .”We want people to know that Africa is not monolithic, and Africa Night is one of several events that we host throughout the year to help people understand that.”

Africa Night will feature dance performances from the WVU African Dance Ensemble and the Ohio University Dance Ensemble, as well as a cultural fashion show. In addition there will be food tasting from countries such as Ghana , Kenya and Nigeria . Families are especially welcome to attend.

“This event is for the entire Morgantown area community,”said Hadii Mamudu, ASA member and event publicity officer.”For one evening, we can come together to experience the cultural wealth, beauty and excitement of our diverse homeland,”he said.

Mamudu is from Ghana , West Africa, and has been working with fellow African students and other campus and community organizations to bring Africa to America , and Morgantown , for the evening.

“I look forward to sampling the delicious dishes from different African nations,”said Tashona Beale, a graduate student in the WVU Master of Public Administration program.”This year, I’m hoping to get some recipes so that I can make these dishes at home.”

Tickets for Africa Night are $10 and are available in advance and at the door. There is no admission charge for children 10 years old and younger. For more information, call the WVU Center for Black Culture and Research, at 304-293-7029.