A month of exploring black history and culture draws to a close tonight with “Our Soul: The Heart of Creativity” at 7 p.m. in the Illini Union Ballroom, presented by the African American Cultural Center’s Soul Premier.

“The purpose of Black History Month is to encourage people to remember the contributions of African-Americans,” said Nameka Bates, assistant director at the Center. “We want people to celebrate black history all through the year.”

The night will celebrate African-American tradition and heritage through art, dance and music such as gospel music, jazz and several contemporary numbers.

Angela Clark, assistant program director at the Center, said there will be live music “that travels and takes you through Africa to the present in terms of musical, social and political movements that define American history.”

The ceremony is co-sponsored by Central Black Student Union and the African Cultural Association.

February marked a nationwide celebration of Black History Month thanks to Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who was often called “Father of Black History” and founded Negro History Week in 1926, which became Black History Month in 1976.

“He discovered as a scholar that the history of African-Americans was not prevalent in history textbooks found in schools,” Clark said. “He took it upon himself to challenge America to begin to include the history of African-Americans in the history of America.”

Woodson chose the second week of February as Negro History Week because Feb. 12 and Feb. 14 mark the birthdays of two influential men in black history: Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, respectively. Thus, February became Black History Month.

This February, there were presentations on HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, performances by the Black Chorus and dance groups, several “Lunch and Learn” lectures and outreach movements telling black history through song, dance or narration.

“Attendance at all events was high,” said Nathaniel Banks, director of the Center. “In all, the month has been engaging and very productive.”

Lauren Senter, senior in Communications, said this is her third year attending opening and closing ceremonies for Black History Month as well as other related events.

“I enjoy it,” Senter said. “I love African-American music. If I’m in the mood for protesting or sweet or pretty (music) there’s all of that in one genre. And African-American art reflects the struggles of African-American people in this country.”

Senter emphasized the month was not about saying one culture is more important than another but about remembering a culture’s history and learning unknown facts about the culture.

“One of the great advantages of attending an institution of higher learning is the wealth of opportunities to discover and appreciate the richness of other cultures,” Clark said. “Not only does it give you a richer appreciation of your own culture, but it also teaches you about the unique contributions of other cultures as well.”