As February came to an end, African American Celebration Month at Oakland concluded a busy 30 days in proper fashion with a ’70s style dance party.

Many attendees sported their ’70s best, from bell bottom pants to go-go boots.

The event capped off several others throughout the month with music, dancing and refreshments, providing the evening with a lively atmosphere. Some of the students in attendance participated in a spirited lip-sync contest to their favorite ’70s beats.

Robin White, AACM co-chair, viewed the style of the finale as fitting to the month-long theme.

“That era (the 1970s) was a big time for freedom and for people as a whole,” White said. “The music was changing too — a lot of things were. It was a very powerful era.”

OU junior Ryan Candela admitted the music pulled him into the Gold Rooms for the party.

“I heard the music, so I stopped in to see what was going on,” Candela said. “The mood was really energetic, and there was free food too.”

RED COW (Revive, Experience and Dream. Change Our World) was host of the night’s festivities, but was only one of many sponsors of the recent AACM events.

Rodrina Moore, president of RED COW and AACM co-chair, was on hand for the ’70s party.

“We tried some new things with the best dressed and lip-sync contests, and I think they both really went well,” Moore said. “We had a good turnout too, not just tonight but with a lot of the events.”

For Moore especially, the significance of the celebration grew with each event. She was a recipient of this year’s Keeper of the Dream Award on Jan. 17, the opening day of AACM.

Other highlights of the celebration were “Taste of Africa,” where students could sample intriguing African American cuisine, and “Tunnel of Oppression,” which aims to spread awareness about the effects and causes of trials that minorities have to confront. Due to inclement weather resulting in university closures, however, “Tunnel of Oppression” was rescheduled for March 7.

Many organizations took part in AACM 2011 to promote understanding of diversity and appreciation for African American heritage and history.

The School of Education and Human Services, Kresge Library and the Center for Multicultural Initiatives also sponsored AACM events, along with other groups, to help expand on the work of previous year.

“From the opening celebration and through the other events, we had good turnouts,” Moore said. “The attendance was multicultural, not just African American students. I think that’s good for the community and on campus.”