KWANZAA African holiday to start Sunday

Families are asked to reflect on the Nguzo Saba.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The observance of Kwanzaa will take place from Sunday through Jan. 1 in Youngstown.
The Youngstown Area Urban League is joining with the Harambee Coalition, Mount Sinai Baptist Church, Holy Trinity Baptist Church and Associated Neighborhood Centers to organize the activities to mark the celebration.
Kwanzaa is patterned after a traditional end-of-the-year African Harvest festival.
During Kwanzaa, families are asked to light candles each day to reflect on Nguzo Saba -- the seven principles -- which include unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperation economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
Ronald Miller, president and CEO of the Urban League, is asking black families in the area to participate all the events centered around Kwanzaa.
The following events will take place in observance of the celebration of Kwanzaa 2004-05:
UMOJA (UNITY)
Sunday, 6 p.m.
New Bethel Baptist Church. Rev. Kenneth L. Simon, pastor.
1507 Hillman Street, Youngstown.
Music, dancing, cultural expression.
Featuring: The Harambee Youth & amp; other area young people, African-American Vendors.
Sponsored by: The Harambee Coalition.
NIA (PURPOSE)
Thursday, 6 p.m.
Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church-Rev. George Wilkins, pastor.
328 S. Forest Street, Youngstown.
Featuring: Choirs, mime groups, dancing, skits and soloists from Youngstown-area churches.
Sponsored by: Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church.
IMANI (FAITH)
Jan. 1, 5:30 p.m.
The McGuffey Centre
1649 Jacobs Road, Youngstown.
Featuring: African-American Vendors, music, dancing and poetry by the Harambee Youth Organization.
Karamu (Community Feast).
Sponsored by: The Harambee Coalition and Associated Neighborhood Centers.