Black churches prepare for Kwanzaa, observance of principles for living

YOUNGSTOWN

The Rev. Dr. Lewis Macklin emphasized that Kwanzaa “is not a black version of Christmas.”

Christmas, remembering the birth of Christ, is for all Christians while Kwanzaa is an Afro-centric activity.

Kwanzaa, observed Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, is a climax to the end of the year. The Emancipation Proclamation, a document of Jan. 1, 1863, freed slaves in the Confederate States of America. Some black churches continue the tradition of Watch Night services on New Year’s Eve to recall the event.

The seven principles addressed by Kwanzaa, the Rev. Mr. Macklin said, will hopefully lay the foundation of behavior and purpose in the new year.

At a special service at 5 p.m. Sunday at Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, where Mr. Macklin is pastor, seven Valley ministers will each speak on a principle of Kwanzaa.

Read more about the event in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com