Youngstown churches schedule community Kwanzaa celebration

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

A community Kwanzaa celebration is planned at Youngstown churches for the 2015 Kwanzaa holiday that begins Saturday and ends Jan. 1.

During Kwanzaa, seven principles that honor African heritage in African-American culture are celebrated.

Four Youngstown churches will explore one principle of Kwanzaa each for the community celebration. Members of the Harambee Coalition urge community members to observe the other three principles of Kwanzaa in celebrations at home.

Exploring Umoja, or unity, will be New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman St. The Rev. Kenneth L. Simon, pastor, will lead the event at 5:30 p.m. Saturday that will include music, dancing and cultural expression. The Harambee Youth Organization and African-American vendors will be featured.

A karamu, or community feast, will be served, and guests are asked to bring a covered dish to eat at the community table. The event is sponsored by church and the coalition.

Kujichagulia, or self-determination, will be celebrated at 4 p.m. Sunday at Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, 505 Parkcliff Ave. The Rev. Lewis W. Macklin II, pastor, will lead.

There will be ministerial interpretations of the Nguzo Saba, or seven principles of Kwanzaa, as well as music, choirs and cultural expression.

Ujima, or collective work and responsibility, will be featured at 6 p.m. Monday at Beulah Baptist Church, 570 Sherwood Ave., with the Rev. Jeff Stanford.

That event will offer a gospel celebration, liturgical and mime dancing and a cultural celebration. Refreshments will be served.

Finally, Nia, or purpose, will be marked at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Mount Sinai Baptist Church, 328 S. Forest Ave. with the Rev. George Wilkins leading.

The program will feature cultural and gospel celebrations and pantomime. Refreshments will be served.

The other core Kwanzaa principles are Kuumba (creativity), Ujamaa (cooperative economics) and Imani (faith).