Citywide Kwanzaa celebration to offer various activities
Special to The Chronicle
The Winston-Salem Urban League will kick-off the annual citywide Kwanzaa celebration. The weeklong celebration will be held at locations throughout Winston-Salem from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.
Kwanzaa, which means “first fruits of the harvest” in the African language Kiswahili, is a unique African-American celebration with focus on the traditional African values of family, community responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement. It is a time of reaffirming African-American culture and resolves to carry out those principles in the New Year.
Several community organizations have come together to sponsor a day. The programs are family oriented and include African drumming, music, service recognitions, inspirational messages, food and fellowship.
They are free and open to the public.
For more information visit www.triadculture.org or call 336-757-8556.
City-wide Kwanzaa Schedule:
Saturday, Dec. 26 Umoja (Unity)
6 p.m., The Urban League, 201 West Fifth St.
Speaker: Dr. NKrumah D. Lewis, Author, Entrepreneur, Social Activist and Advocate
Honoree: Attorney Hazel Mack, Founder of Carter G. Woodson School of Challenge and Ms. Ruth Hopkins, Principal of Carter G. Woodson
Sponsor: Winston-Salem Urban League Contact: 336-725-5614
Join the Winston-Salem Urban League for the opening celebration of the first principle of Kwanzaa: Unity (Umoja), which stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community. The evening will include musical and artistic cultural expressions and will feature African drumming by the legendary Otesha Creative Arts Ensemble. Guest speaker, Dr. NKrumah D. Lewis author, entrepreneur, social activist will deliver the community charge and advocate for stigmatized populations.
Sunday, Dec. 27, Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
6 p.m., Delta Arts Center, 2611 New Walkertown Road
Speaker: Councilmember Denise “DD” Adams
Honoree: James and the Late Ernestine Huff Family
Sponsor: Delta Fine Arts, Inc. Contact: 336-722-2625
Celebrate the second principle of Kwanzaa: Kujichagulia (koo-gee-cha-goo-LEE-yah, self-determination requires that we define our common interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of our family and community. The speaker will be Councilmember Denise “DD” Adams and the community artist family of James and the late Ernestine Huff family will be honorees. Attendees will have the opportunity to view the extraordinary exhibition, celebrating John Biggers.
Monday, Dec. 28, Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
6 p.m., Winston Lake Family YMCA, 901 Waterworks Road
Honoree: Kenneth Simington, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
Sponsors: Big 4 Alumni Group & Winston Lake Family YMCA
Contact: 336-724-9205
Celebrate the third principle of Kwanzaa: Ujima (oo-GEE-mah), Collective work and responsibility reminds us of our obligation to the past, present and future, and that we have a role to play in the community, society, and world.
Tuesday, Dec. 29, Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
6 p.m., Carl Russell Recreation Center, 3521 Carver Road
Honoree: Jay Carlton
Sponsor: Carl Russell Recreation Center
Contact: 336-727-2580
Celebrate the fourth principle of Kwanzaa: Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah), cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support. Learn about African-American businesses through the Black Business Showcase.
Wednesday, Dec. 30, Nia (Purpose)
6 p.m., Grace Presbyterian Church, 3901 Carver School Road
Speaker: Rev. Toure Marshall, Pastor Grace Presbyterian
Honoree: Mrs. Emma Shouse, Grace Presbyterian Long time church worker and member
Sponsor: Grace Presbyterian Church
Contact: 336-722-4399, 767-7530
Celebrate the fifth principle of Kwanzaa: Nia (NEE-yah), Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community. The speaker and honoree will be Rev. Toure Marshall, pastor of Grace Presbyterian. Attendees will be invited to participate in African dance and drumming with the Otesha Creative Arts Ensemble and will enjoy a “church pot luck” dinner.
Thursday, Dec. 31, Kuumba (Creativity)
1 p.m., Arts Council Theatre, 610 Coliseum Drive
Speaker: Nigel Alston, Interim Director, National Black Repertory Company
Honoree: Hashim Saleh, Creative Director of Otesha Creative Arts Ensemble
Sponsors: NC Black Repertory Theatre Company, Forsyth County Public Library & Triad Cultural Arts
Contact: 336-703-2953
Celebrate the sixth principle of Kwanzaa: Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah), Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community. Attendees will experience theatre at its best through performances by the North Carolina Black Repertory Teen Theatre and Dance Ensemble. Taste the delicious foods of the Karamu Feast.
Friday, Jan. 1, Imani (Faith)
4 p.m., Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1075 Shalimar Drive
Speaker: “When Courage become Contagious,” Our Selma (a dramatic presentation)
Honoree: Mildred Peppers
Sponsor: Emmanuel Baptist Church
Contact: 336-788-7023
Celebrate the seventh principle of Kwanzaa: Imani (ee-MAH-nee). Faith focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle. Come together to close out the Kwanzaa celebration with friends, family, community and cultural expressions.
