WS Chronicle

Above: Annette Nickols of I am 2 Sweet 4 Diabetes greets attendee at her table on Tuesday, Dec. 29. To celebrate the fourth principle of Kwanzaa, Ujamaa or cooperative economics, attendees learned about locally black-owned businesses by visiting vendors that were set up at the Carl Russell Recreation Center.

By Tevin Stinson

The Chronicle

Black business owners from across the Triad assembled at the Carl Russell Recreation Center Tuesday evening to celebrate the fourth principle of Kwanzaa, Ujamaa.

The Swahili term means cooperative economics, which emphasizes economic strength and encourages the African-American community to meet common needs through mutual support.

During the event, while enjoying a number of Kwanzaa traditions, residents were allowed to shop and learn about the black-owned businesses in the area.

Event coordinator Ben Piggot said he decided to sponsor the event to draw attention to the many businesses in Winston-Salem that are owned and operated by African-Americans.

“A lot of the black-owned businesses don’t get the attention they deserve because the community doesn’t know about them,” he said. “We want  the community to get to know the black business owners in the area and support them.”

Local artist and community activist Jay Carlton was honored with a community service award during the event as well. Carlton, who teaches art classes at local recreation centers, said he was honored to receive the award during such a joyous and meaningful occasion such as Kwanzaa.