The African food festival called CHOMA was put together by the Aftrican Student Association (ASA) to celebrate traditional food, dancing and fun last Saturday in the downstairs of McGlothlin Campus Center.

Students of the ASA brought a dish from their country and to share at the event. This allows CHOMA to be one of the easiest events they plan. The only preparation required is decorations and volunteers to help serve.

In addition to the food, there was also dancing, games and competitions. 

The ASA has put together the CHOMA celebration every fall semester since its establishment in 2014. 

The next event the ASA will host is Field Day, where they will be partnering up with Craig Middle School to play, dance, tutor and make bracelets and necklaces with the refugee children. 

Joelle Opele, junior biochemistry major, is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, but has called Irving her home for the past seven years. She also serves as vice president of the African Student Association and has been a part of the association since her freshman year in 2017. 

“What I like about ASA is that we treat each other like family,” Opele said. “Most of us are from different African countries so we bond easily.”

Opele said the African Student Association’s theme is ubuntu, meaning a quality that includes the essential human virtues of compassion and humanity, which is why everyone is welcome to CHOMA.