Culinary traditions and cultural roots were celebrated on Friday evening at the Oakland Center.

On Feb. 11, the Center for Multicultural Initiatives and the Student Program Board cosponsored the Taste of Africa Gala, an annual celebration held during OU’s national recognition of African American Celebration Month. The gala had samples of soul food, Caribbean fare and African-American influenced cuisine.

Junior Abhishek Ujla enjoyed what they had to offer.

“Everything tastes great.  I am here to learn about culture and spirit,” Ujla said.

“I have come (to the gala) all four years.  This is my favorite event during African American Celebration Month,” Lanisha Mullin, a senior and a Center for Multicultural Initiatives peer mentor said.  “It exposes so many different aspects of African-American culture in one event.”

The program also included a variety of live entertainment featuring drumming, dancing, step show, vocal and spoken word performances. Storyteller Ivory Williams used props and theatrical voices on stage while presenting his positive message to the audience.

“When you listen you learn, and when you learn you grow,” Williams said.

Sai Myint, a junior health science major said the event was “truly electric.”

Even the individuals working the event enjoyed the atmosphere.  Katherine Buxton, a sophomore, volunteered to help at the gala.

“It’s not a job; it’s purely the enjoyment of getting along with everyone … It’s a great environment to be a part of,” Buxton said.

Matthew Parry, a senior and a member of the African American Celebration Month Committee, said: “It is a great honor and pleasure to be a part of the AACM Committee. Knowing that I am a part of celebrating and educating Oakland students about African-American history is something that I do not take lightly.”

“I want students to have a sense of pride in their heritage and where they come from.  Knowing where you’ve been and where you can go is important in order to reach your full potential in the future,” Parry said. Additionally, being appreciative of the many opportunities that we have as African-Americans is important so that the dreams of those that we celebrate are not in vain.”