Kwanzaa observance begins today
By JENNIFER MANN
The Kansas City Star
Today marks the beginning of Kwanzaa, a seven-day festival celebrating the African-American people, their culture and their history.
In the Kansas City area, the Kansas City Black United Front along with the American Jazz Museum and Majik 107.3 will sponsor the 23rd annual citywide Kwanzaa celebration, which runs through Jan. 1.
From today through Thursday, celebrations will be each evening at 7 in the Gem Theater at 18th and Vine streets. On the final day, Jan. 1, beginning at 3 p.m., the celebration will take place at the Nefertiti Ballroom at 1314 Quindaro Blvd. in Kansas City, Kan.
Before each day's celebration at the Gem the doors will open at 6 p.m. for an African marketplace, featuring artists and craftsmen.
The holiday was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga to bring African-Americans together in a celebration of their cultures and histories.
It is centered around the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa ? unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
Kwanzaa comes from the Kiswahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, or ?first fruit.? Karenga added an extra ?a? for the American version of the holiday to give it greater significance.
Each evening, a family member, often the youngest child, lights candles and each day discusses one of the seven principles.
Then on the final day large gatherings of family and friends celebrate their history and culture and the coming New Year.
To reach Jennifer Mann,
call (816) 234-4453, or send e-mail to
jmann@kcstar.com.
Discussion Zen 5 Speculation (EPYC Turin and Strix Point/Granite Ridge - Ryzen 9000)
Discussion Intel current and future Lakes & Rapids thread
