Sunday, December 16, 2007
The observance celebrates positive life principles.
YOUNGSTOWN — Kwanzaa, a holiday rooted in African culture, celebrates positive life principles and harvest time. It will begin Dec. 26 and be observed over seven days.
Observances are planned in the area to highlight the life principles, known by their Swahili names. They are unity (umoja), self-determination (kujichagulia), collective work and responsibility (ujima), cooperative economics (ujamaa), purpose (nia), creativity (kuumba) and faith (imani).
Events will be:
UUmoja at 7 p.m. Dec. 26 at New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman St., where the Rev. Kenneth L. Simon is pastor. Sponsored by the Harambee Coalition, the event will feature the Harambee Youth Organization, music, dancing and African-American vendors.
U Ujamaa from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 29 at Buckeye Elks Youth Center, 421 1/2 North Ave., sponsored by Nu Valley Black Chamber of Commerce. The event will feature African-American vendors, prizes and refreshments.
U Nia at 4 p.m. Dec. 30 at Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, 505 Parkcliffe Ave., where the Rev. Lewis W. Macklin II is pastor. The church is sponsoring the event with ministerial interpretations of the seven principles, music, choirs and cultural expression.
U Imani at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 1, 2008, at the McGuffey Centre, 1649 Jacobs Road, sponsored by the Harambee Coalition and Associated Neighborhood Centers. The Harambee Youth Organization will present music, dancing and poetry. There will be African-American vendors. The event also will include a karamu, a community feast, and participants are asked to bring covered dishes.
According to www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org, Kwanzaa is modeled on first-fruit celebrations in ancient Africa, including the Umkhost of Zululand in Southern Africa that was held seven days.