Kwanzaa celebration set this week in Youngstown

Staff report

youngstown

The Harambee Coalition Kwanzaa Committee will celebrate Kwanzaa with a variety of public activities from Wednesday through Jan. 1.

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

It was first celebrated 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. Wednesday 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 will include music, dancing, cultural expression and black vendors. Sponsor is Harambee of Youngstown Inc.

Kujichagulia (self- determination) will be marked at 6 p.m. Thursday at Beulah Baptist Church, 570 Sherwood Ave. A Gospel celebration, liturgical dancing, pantomime and cultural celebration are planned. Refreshments will be served.

Ujimi (collective work and responsibility) will be the theme of a program scheduled at 6 p.m. Friday at Beulah Baptist. A Gospel celebration, liturgical dancing, pantomime and cultural celebration are planned. Refreshments will be served.

Nia (purpose) will be marked at 4 p.m. next Sunday 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, 2013, 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.