An explosion of cultures came out yesterday on the UA Mall at the third annual Tucson Soul Explosion and African Market Day.

More than 26 vendors participated in selling African American artifacts, memorabilia, books and soul food, and provided information on political, social and religious topics.

Vendor Jeff Sawyer sold figurines designed to portray positive images of the black family and historical black figures such as Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington.

"One of the things I encourage is education. Knowledge is one thing that can't be taken away," he said.

Poetry reading and gospel music entertained the 3,000 or so people who passed by the event.

"Gospel music is a big part of black culture, and this was an opportunity to come together and become stronger. It also gives other cultures a chance to understand our culture," said John Austin, performance guitar sophomore, who leads the gospel band Exodus.

The event was organized by the ASUA Minority Action Council, which targeted all the campus centers to celebrate traditions of the African American culture. "It's a chance to let other cultures experience the African American culture," said accounting junior Rhonda Wilson, director of the Minority Action Council.

The celebration started three years ago as part of culture week.

"There was a great call several years ago for more diversity on campus," said Jesse Hargrove, assistant dean of African American Student Affairs.

He said he would like to see the celebration become a two-day event, and by the fifth year hopes to get Stevie Wonder to perform.

Although many see the Soul Day as a coming together of the campus, not everyone agrees.

"The sad part of the whole event is when whites or other people of European descent look at this as though it's not part of the community. It's always seen as an add-on," said Menelik Bakari, African History professor at Pima Community College.