Karambu Ringera used various native greetings to welcome about 250 people Thursday evening at the second annual African Extravaganza.

“Africa is a continent of 53 countries,” said Ringera, a DU doctoral student from Kenya and founder of the NGO Peace Initiatives. “We are here to recognize and celebrate Africa’s different cultures.”

This theme was emphasized at the ceremony, held at Centennial Hall to celebrate African culture during Black History Month.

The program included a variety of vendors and specialty food provided by the Casablanca Moroccan and the Habesha Ethiopian restaurants.

Among several music entertainers throughout the evening, Logo Ligi, an African dance and drumming ensemble, gave a spirited performance.

“DU has made a great effort to internationalize and extend cultural understanding to the community,” said Jan Pilcher, Community Outreach coordinator. “What fascinates me the most is the costumes.”

Karambu Ringera was the hostess of the evening. Ringera spoke passionately of AIDS and children’s struggles after they lose parents to the epidemic, citing the communities’ efforts to keep them in school.

Other guest speakers included Joseph Afotey, a master’s student in computer information systems, who spoke about Ghana; Barbara Serumaga, master’s student in social work, on Uganda; and Tarek Zidan, PhD student in social work, on Egypt. All attend DU.

The program took place at the International House last year, and attracted about 125 people, according to Michael Elliot, director of International Students and Scholar Services.

“The International House became very crowded last year because it is so much smaller,” said Elliot. “This location is much more conducive, and the turnout this year is great.”

Tom Simbo, 49, of Sierra Leone, attended the event dressed in African attire.

“There are so many tragedies in Africa, like war and hunger, that we forget about the great things,” said Simbo, who has lived in Denver for three years and attends Denver Seminary.