Eager faculty members and students crowded around the open doors of Kemper Auditorium as the luscious odors of African dishes welcomed them. In the lobby were many students, grandparents and models for the fashion show who wore traditional African clothing. People eagerly grabbed pieces of hot and steamy dough filled with meat and corns, elegantly placed on the table and kept warm by the foil wrappings.

Presented by the African Student Union was the second annual African Festival,...