Kwanzaa gets underway tonight at New Bethel

YOUNGSTOWN

Umoja (unity), the first of several events for Kwanzaa, an African-American cultural celebration aimed at empowering the black community, got underway today at New Bethel Baptist Church.

The seven principles of Kwanzaa are “essential for our survival in this nation,” said the Rev. Kenneth L. Simon, pastor of New Bethel and the event’s keynote speaker.

Given the times, when young black men are being killed by police; with the attack on and demise of public education, and the political scene, black people ought to be scared, he said.

“If we don’t wake up, we will find ourselves back on the plantation,” the Rev. Mr. Simon said.

Black people should support black businesses. When we do that, we are supporting the black community,” he said.

Read more about Saturday's and other events in Sunday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.