Live music, themed food, dancing, and vendors selling various items could be found in the student center Wednesday in recognition of Black Heritage Celebration Day, an event hosted by ARC to acknowledge Black History Month.

The student center was decorated with posters of famous African-Americans, such as Harriet Tubman and Tiger Woods as well as Martin Luther King Jr., whose poster was accompanied with his famous, “I have a dream”, speech.

Students were treated to live dance performances by praise dancers invited by Student Personnel Assistant, Frankie Johnson, at the Center for Leadership and Development.

Said Johnson on the center’s relationship with the Center for Teaching and Learning, which offers informational college hours to the campus,  “We are not affiliated with the college hour sadly… we need to be though.”

Johnson is also responsible for planning an upcoming Earth Day event.

Johnson made announcements at the event that ranged from a menu for the food – which included black-eyed peas, fried chicken and cornbread – to a list of vendors.

Jackie Douglas was one vendor among many present at the event.

Douglas, who sold goods from South African countries at the event, represented LiBush International African Imports, a family business located on K St.

The goods ranged from nativity scenes and wooden carved masks made in Kenya.

Oils, which were used as perfume were also for sale, as well as small trees made of banana leaves which are used for holding earrings.

“Today we have baskets from Ghana, all proceeds from the basket sales go back to Ghana to help drill drinking water wells,” Douglas said.

One of the students browsing the merchandise was Tonya Dorsey who enjoyed the celebration.

“Today is a proud day…it’s a positive celebration to recognize African-Americans,” said Dorsey.