The gala is ASU’s biggest event of the year. The gala gives Kandji, and other members of ASU, a chance to celebrate their cultures with fellow African students.

“Before, I used to be really insecure about being African, because I get bullied a lot for it. Now, I just love to like, embrace and just show it off. This is who I am,” Kandji said. “It just gives me a time and a place to really just show off who I am and my culture.”

The gala will be held on Saturday, April 15 at the Marriott Hotel in Downtown East Lansing at 6 p.m. The event is open to any MSU student who wants to learn more about African culture. Kandji said It's a good chance to ”broaden your horizons.” 

"If you don’t have an African background, still come get to know more about, not only African culture but African Student Union, what we stand for, what our values are," Kandji said.

‘Roots to Africa’ will feature skits, modeling and a dance performance. The models will be wearing clothes from their respective cultures. Kandji will be modeling tradition Senegalese clothes for the gala, representing her Senegalesen roots.

“We practice with different African music, we try to do like different African regions,” Kandji said. “Everyone comes from a very different background, so everyone has their own style and their own poses. That's really nice to see.”

Tickets are $16 and can be purchased online.