Kwanzaa Celebration, Saturday, Dec. 29, Wilson Library, 1-5 p.m. - Projects - SeeClickFix

Kwanzaa Celebration, Saturday, Dec. 29, Wilson Library, 1-5 p.m. - Projects - SeeClickFix:

Become Part of the Community Kwanzaa Committee

by Elaine Peters, Event Coordinator, afrocaribfest@aol.com (203) 901-4765

Kwanzaa celebration, Saturday, Dec. 29, Wilson Library, 303 Washington Avenue, 1-5 p.m.

In the past, S.W.A.N.A (Sisters With A New Attitude – a women’s support group) and I have been dedicated to the seven principles of Kwanzaa and work to re-establish them in our everyday lives as a way of striving towards a better and brighter means “first fruits of the harvest” in the African language Kiswahili, has gained tremendous acceptance. Since its founding in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa has been observed by more than 18 million people worldwide, as noted in the New York Times.

The seven guiding principles of Kwanzaa, one for each day observed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, include UMOJA (Unity: I am because we are); UJAMAA (Co-operative economics, supporting each other in business, home and community); and NIA (purpose). On Dec. 29, the goal is to establish purpose and means “first fruits of the harvest” in the African language Kiswahili, has gained tremendous acceptance. Since its founding in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa has been observed by more than 18 million people worldwide, as noted in theNew York Times.

The seven guiding principles of Kwanzaa, one for each day observed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, include UMOJA (Unity:     I am because we are); UJAMAA (Co-operative economics, supporting each other in business, home and community); and NIA (purpose). On Dec. 29, the goal is to establish purpose and bring awareness to our local community. This year’s theme is celebrating those in the community who bring enrichment to our young people’s lives through the arts.

In order for “Rekindling Kwanzaa’s Principles” to happen, we need to raise funds to pay professional artists, have food for the feast, provide paper products and decorations, have a sound system and produce an event banner. To make a donation or be a part of the committee please contact me at afrocaribfest@aol.com.

The ceremony takes place 1 –  5 p.m. Dec. 29 in the lower level of the Wilson Library, 303 Washington Avenue, New Haven. You are already part of the Kwanzaa principle of  Co-operative Economics (UJAMAA). Please help to share this incredible occasion by spreading the word to loved ones, family and friends and bringing them with you to celebrate Kwanzaa with us.

Many videos are available if you go to YouTube and search "New Haven Kwanzaa."  Look for the ones that mention Library or SWANA (the City of New Haven also hosts a great Kwanzaa celebration that is on YouTube).