[umoja]

Happy Kwanzaa! Today marks the beginning of the seven day celebration. Today's principle is Umoja (unity): To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race. "Kwanzaa, which means “first fruits of the harvest,” is a time of reaffirming African American people, our ancestors and our culture. We seek to honor our past, evaluate our present and commit ourselves to a more productive future. Africans and African-Americans of all religious faiths and backgrounds practice Kwanzaa." -Baobab Cultural Center

Celebrate Kwanzaa in Rochester, NY:

Kwanzaa 2008: A Change is Gonna Come

Umoja (Unity): December 26 - Wheatley Library, 3-5 pm. 33 Dr Samuel McCree Way.

Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): December 27 - Baobab Cultural Center, 3-5pm. 728 University Ave.

Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility): December 28 - Memorial Art Gallery, 12 noon -5pm. 500 University Ave.

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): December 29 - Rochester Museum and Science Center, 6-9 pm. 657 East Ave.

Nia (Purpose): December 30 - North Street Recreation Center, 3-6 pm. 700 North St.

Kuumba (Creativity) December 31 - Dunwoody Studios, 6-9 pm. 34 Elton Street.

Imani (Faith): January 1 - Celebrate at home with family.

For more information: call the Kwanzaa Hotline at 585-234-KWAN (5926).