While many consider Feb. 14 solely a day to celebrate love and relationships, there are other festivities occurring that day to embrace the four-week celebration of Black History Month.

The African Students Association (ASA) will present its annual "Touch of Africa" program, beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday at The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel.

"It's on Valentine's Day, yes, but it's mainly a celebration of African culture," Lucien Whembolua, ASA president, said.

The event will feature African-style cuisine, music and dancing that will create a truly cultural and festive environment.

The night will start out with a traditional African dinner cooked by members of ASA, followed by performances by the dance groups Liberian National Cultural Ambassadors and NOMMO, the band Itadi Bonney and skits by ASA members.

Whembolua described the Philadelphia-based Liberian Cultural Ambassadors as a traditional Liberian dance group.

According to the troupe's Web site, it formed about 10 years ago, when the leader fled his home in Liberia to escape the deadly politics and tribalism practiced there.

The group's dances are accompanied by elegant, traditional costumes.

Itadi Bonney, originally from Togo, is the frontman for the band that bears his name. Whembolua said the group plays dance-beat Soukous music, as well as high-life reggae.

Traditional African dance group NOMMO will be performing three different West African dances: "Lamban," the newly choreographed "Bao" and "Congolese," which means "seduction dance," said NOMMO Vice President Christina Martinez (junior-communication sciences and disorders).

"We've participated in this event for many years," Martinez said. "It's exciting because there are many performances, including dancing, music and poetry, which recognize different African counties."

Clemente Abrokwaa, faculty adviser of ASA, said the group has been working hard on the event and encourages people to volunteer and take part.

"The point is to introduce the African way of life to the student community and the community in general," Abrokwaa said. "It's a chance for people to see into African culture."

Abrokwaa added that he encourages people to travel, learn about other people and become exposed to different cultures because "the world is getting smaller and smaller each day."

Tickets for "Touch of Africa," which cost $18, will be on sale in the Paul Robeson Cultural Center between 12:15 and 1:15 p.m. today and tomorrow.