Students will celebrate and showcase various African cultures as part of Africa Week, which begins today under the theme “My core is Africa.”

The week’s activities and events, hosted by the African Student Association, are centered on revealing aspects of the continent that often go unknown.

“It is one of the few chances we have to showcase African culture to the OU campus,” said Chike Nwokolo, African Student Association vice president and biochemistry sophomore.

Throughout the week, different activities will give the participants a chance to learn more about the continent and some of the countries within it.

“It’s one thing to watch TV and see the poverty. Why not speak to someone who has lived there?” said Karen Matambo, African Student Association president and chemical engineering junior. “We want to give people that chance.”

Africa Week’s activities include a cultural fair, community service and a movie night, with the goal of allowing students to experience diverse African cultures through foods, music and dance.

Members said this week is one of the organization’s biggest endeavors, and this year’s events will be different from previous years. The African Student Association executive board chose to focus on the diverse regions of the continent rather than just one specific area.

“We wanted it to be bigger and better than previous years,” Matambo said. “We want you to fully experience Africa.”

This week is an annual event for the organization and it is a production that means a great deal to several students.

“Even though I am here in a different land, a different country, my heart is in Africa,” said AJ Berepele, University College freshman. “It is my origin.”