The Kent State chapter of the NAACP is hosting the Umoja music and dance festival at 6:30 p.m. tonight on the Commons behind Oscar Ritchie Hall.

Performances will begin at 7 p.m.

Nine student organizations will be present at the festival, including Black United Students, Kent African Student Association, Spanish and Latino Student Association, Modista and Harambee.

The Golden Reflections, Final Destination, E-Luv, Charelle Munnerlyn, KSUGC Step team, Joey Pompignano and more groups will perform. DJ Lo-Key will provide music.

The goal of the festival is to “bring students together for the first week of school,” said KSU-NAACP president Robin Wright.

The name of the festival originates from the Swahili word umoja, which means unity. It is one of the seven principles of Nguzo Saba, which means Kwanzaa in Swahili.

Wright said this event is open to anyone, regardless of background. She encourages freshmen who want to learn more about different organizations or meet more people to come.

“It’s a great opportunity to get to know different people,” she said.

Contact diversity reporter Kelly Petryszyn at [email protected].