Contributed by Sid Ellis-Executive Director, Black Arts and Cultural Center
KALAMAZOO (MI)-Come and celebrate Kwanzaa with the Black Arts and Cultural Center (BACC) as local leaders share of the traditions of Kwanzaa and its various principals as they relate to their own lives.
The week-long event will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. each evening from Saturday, December 26 – Thursday, December 31, in the Gail Sydnor Art Gallery located in the BACC offices in the Epic Center, 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 202.
On each day we will discuss the daily principals of Kwanzaa which include: 26th Umoja (Unity) presented by Captain Victor Ledbetter; 27th Kujichaqulia (Self-Determination) presented by Sid Ellis ; 28th Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) presented by Dr. Charles Warfield; 29th Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) presented by Tim Terrentine; 30th Nia (Purpose) presented by Pastor Linzey Bell; 31st Kuumba (Creativity) presented by Buddy Hannah & Imani (Faith) presented by Commissioner Stephanie Bell.
Kwanzaa was founded by Dr. Maulana Karenga as an African American and Pan-African holiday. It is celebrated by millions throughout the world African community. Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense. The holiday is engaged as an ancient and living cultural tradition which reflects the best of African thought and practice in its reaffirmation of the dignity of the human person in community and culture, the well-being of family and community, the integrity of the environment and our kinship with it, and the rich resource and meaning of a people’s culture.
Refreshments will be served. For more information call 269-349-1035.
