A history of war, famine, illiteracy, homelessness and AIDS in eastern Africa will be challenged with the assistance of WSU’s African Friendship Association’s (AFA) screening of the documentary film “Sincerely Ethiopia.”

The video will be presented at 6 p.m. tomorrow in the CUB Auditorium and will attempt to replace misconceptions with stories of tradition and philanthropy. “This documentary of Ethiopia tackles the negative perception of Africa,” AFA Student President Nahom Abraha said.

This film follows a recent annual event, Africa Night, hosted by AFA during Mom’s Weekend, Saturday, April 12.

“Africa Night has been a WSU legacy since the late 80s, early 90s,” said Donna Arnold, associate director of Multicultural Student Services.

Africa Night showcased genocide, rich history, famine, good food and strong traditions for students and community members in Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Event Center, Arnold said.

“I enjoyed it and the dances,” said attendee and RSO DETOUR Dance Company member Charles Diako. “I would go again next year.”

Africa Night is a celebration people know of through word of mouth at this point in its legacy, said Arnold.

“It is the largest gathering of blacks in the Pullman area,” said AFA club adviser Arike Mercer. “Tons of people came in traditional outfits.”

The three and a half hour event included spoken word poetry, traditional dancing, a fashion show and special guest speakers.

These guest speakers included a survivor from the Rwandan genocide and a pastor from Rwanda, followed by Nigerian singer and comedian Sammy West.

“It was a process,” said Abraha of creating such a popular, large event. “Lots of hard work getting contacts and reaching out to crowds who don’t usually attend African Night.”

For those who did not make it, “Sincerely Ethiopia” is intended to extend the educational elements of Africa Night beyond the event center.

The documentary will be shown free of charge, although donations are accepted. All donations will be used to support St. Mary’s Mission Hospital in Kenya.

The film will be shown at 6 p.m. tomorrow in the CUB Auditorium. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.