Life
Kwanzaa celebration planned December 28 in Rock Island
Press Release
Ebony Expressions and the Martin Luther King Jr. Center host a Kwanzaa Celebration, 6:30, Friday, December 28th at the Martin Luther King Center, 630 9th Street, Rock Island. All are urged to bring canned food items to donate to local shelter or pantry. A Kwanzaa meal/feast will follow the program.
Kwanzaa, is an African-American celebration of cultural reaffirmation. Not a religious holiday, Kwanzaa which means “first fruits of the harvest celebrated from December 26th to January 1st, it is based on Nguzo Saba (seven guiding principles), one for each day of the observance:
Umoja (OO-MO-JAH): Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying, “I am We,” or “I am because We are.”
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.
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.
Ujamaa (OO-JAH-MAH): Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support.
Nia (NEE-YAH): Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community.
