Kwanzaa observances planned

Staff report

youngstown

The Harambee Coalition Kwanzaa Commitee will celebrate Kwanzaa with a variety of activities from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1.

Kwanzaa, which means first fruits, intertwines African traditions with American customs. Lynnette Miller and her husband, Ron Miller, are local Kwanzaa coordinators.

It was first celebrated on Dec. 26, 1966, in Los Angeles by its founder Maulena Karenga.

Kwanzaa has seven core principles. The first, Umoja (unity), will be observed at 7 p.m. Dec. 26 at New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman St., where the Rev. Kenneth L. Simon is pastor.

The program will feature The Harambee Youth Organization and include music, dancing, cultural expression and black vendors. Sponsor is Harambee of Youngstown Inc.

Ujima (collective work and responsibility) will be marked at 6 p.m. Dec. 28 at Beulah Baptist Church, 570 Sherwood Ave., where the Rev. Harold Logan is pastor. A Gospel celebration, liturgical dancing, pantomime and cultural celebration are planned. Refreshments will be served.

Ujamaa (cooperative economics) will be the theme of a program scheduled from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 29 at 542 Belmont Ave. Area black vendors, prizes and refreshments are planned. Sponsor is Muhammed Study Group No. 9.

Nia (purpose) will be marked at 6 p.m. Dec. 30 at Mount Sinai Baptist Church, 328 S. Forest St., where the Rev. George Wilkins is pastor. The event will be a cultural and Gospel celebration with pantomime. Refreshments will be served.

Imani (faith) will be celebrated at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 1, 2012, at the McGuffey Centre, 1649 Jacobs Road. The event will feature black vendors, music, dancing and poetry by the Harambee of Youngstown Inc. A Karamu (community feast) is planned and participants should bring a covered dish. Sponsors are Harambee of Youngstown and Associated Neighborhood Centers.

The other two principles are Kujichagulia (self-determination) and Kuumba (creativity).