The African Student Association (ASA) will be hosting its first-ever African Ball tomorrow night, February 25, from 7 to 11pm in the main gym.  Tickets cost $15 and can be purchased through lunch today.

Senior president Adwoa Debrah, vice presidents junior Megan Dakwa and sophomore Nana Tutu created ASA at the beginning of the school year, with math resource teacher Temidayo Adia as the sponsor. ASA is spreading awareness about the different African cultures to anyone who is interested and wants to learn more. 

Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of background. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from,” historian Heaven Atta said. The goal for ASA is for everyone to be welcomed and culturally aware, which they are hoping to convey with the African Ball. The ball is also open to students from other schools as well as Watkins Mill students.

“It’s going to be different from just our average Homecoming or winter formal,” Dakwa said. The African Ball include live performances by two African dance teams, one team representing Watkins Mill and one from outside of the school. A spoken word performance will take place as well as a PowerPoint presentation about African American history.

Dancing with a live DJ and a photo booth will be be available for all guest to enjoy. A dress-to-impress contest will also be taking place. Culturally African food will be catered by Tutu’s aunt, Sonia Amo-Akonnor. The food will consist of jollof rice, chicken, plantains and salad. A candy buffet with an assortment of treats will also be provided for the night.

“[We want] to end Black History Month with a bang,” senior global awareness leader Maryam Habib said. Members of ASA have high hopes for the outcome of their first ball. Their main goal is to try to unite the Black community and inspire others.

“Depending on how [the dance] goes we might [host another one],” Atta added.