This year the fourth annual Kwanzaa Ball, hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and Zeta Phi Beta sorority, will offer complimentary limousine rides starting between Couch and Walker dorms. The Kwanzaa Ball will be at 8 tonight in the Oklahoma Memorial Union ballroom.

"Having the limos is brand new for the ball and is really a great idea and adds a touch of class to the event," said Devin Pauley, mechanical engineering senior.

Starting at 7:45 p.m., the limo rides will cater to the freshmen and sophomores and give a great image to the ball, said Freeman Gardner, fraternity president and management information systems senior.

As part of the annual Black and Gold week, Kwanzaa is one of many events that the fraternity is hosting this week. At tonight's ball, students dressed in formal wear will come together as one to eat, dance and celebrate Kwanzaa.

The ball will also feature a live band performance and provide a traditional African prayer. An explanation of Kwanzaa's meaning and origin will also be given.

Andrew Haskins, Kwanzaa Ball chairman, said the African-American community can be proud of the dance.

"The African-American students and faculty on campus come together in the spirit of unity," Haskins said. "It truly brings a sense of pride at the university and preempts togetherness and purpose throughout the season."

Tickets will be sold in the union. The cost is $5 for singles and $8 for couples. All proceeds go the fraternity's national philanthropy, the March of Dimes, Gardner said.

Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday that was started in 1966 and is one of the fastest growing celebrations in the world, Pauley said.

There are seven days of Kwanzaa, starting Dec. 26 and ending Jan. 1. Seven candles represent the seven nights of the holiday. Three red candles represent the struggle and blood lost by African-American ancestors. One black candle to portray the color of skin and three green candles to show the land and grass in Africa, Pauley said.

"Kwanzaa is something to look forward to every year," Pauley said. "(It) gets the freshmen excited about participating in other upcoming events."

Members of both Alpha Phi Alpha and Zeta Phi Beta are expecting about 250 OU students to attend this year's ball. Students will wear tuxedos and formal dresses.

"At first, it's a lot of hard work to organize the event, but I am really looking forward to it," Gardner said.

DETAILS

Event:

Kwanzaa Ball

When:

8 tonight

Where:

Oklahoma Memorial Union Ballroom

Cost:

$5 for singles $8 for couples
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