Kwanzaa celebrations planned through Jan. 1

YOUNGSTOWN

The Harambee Coalition invites the public to celebrate Kwanzaa, the African-American holiday that intertwines African traditions with American customs, from Sunday through Jan. 1.

The holiday was first celebrated in 1966 in Los Angeles.

On Jan. 1, the coalition will have the Karamu, or community feast, at the McGuffey Centre, Jacobs Road. Participants are encouraged to bring a covered dish and share at a community table.

There are seven principles of Kwanzaa, called the Nguzo Saba. Here are the venues for celebration of six of the seven. The sixth principle is Kuumba, which celebrates creativity and using that creativity to build and maintain the community:

Umoja (Unity): 7 p.m. Sunday at New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman St., there will be music, dancing, and cultural expression featuring the Harambee Youth Organization, African-American vendors.

Kujichagulia (Self Determination): 6 p.m. Monday at Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, 505 Parkcliff Ave., will feature ministerial interpretations of the Nguzo Saba, the seven principles, and music, choirs, and cultural expression.

Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): 6 p.m. Tuesday at Beulah Baptist Church, 570 Sherwood Ave., there will be a gospel celebration, liturgical dancing, pantomime and cultural celebration. Refreshments served.

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday , Muhammad Mosque, 542 Belmont Ave., featuring area African-American vendors, fun prizes, refreshments, and more.

Nia (Purpose): 6 p.m. Dec. 30, Mount Sinai Baptist Church, 328 S. Forest Ave., cultural celebration, gospel celebration and pantomime. Refreshments served.

Imani (Faith): at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 1, McGuffey Centre, 1649 Jacobs Road, featuring African-American vendors, music, dancing and poetry by the Harambee Youth Organization and the community feast.