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Media contacts: Michael L. Sampson: 937.376.4944 ext. # 117 or msampson@ohiohistory.org
For Immediate Release
National Afro-American Museum Celebrates Kwanzaa
(WILBERFORCE, OHIO) — The National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center (NAAMCC) will celebrate Kwanzaa on Monday, December 29th from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. The Afro-American Museum traditionally celebrates the fourth day of the Kwanzaa holiday, referred to as Ujamaa (oo-jah-mah) and honors Cooperative Economics. This year’s theme is Community Crafts A Way to Business Ownership.
This year's celebrations will include a candle-lighting ceremony and libation by perennial favorite Larry Crowe, a riveting performance by the Thiossane Dancers and Drummers, and the traditional Karamu Feast.
Kwanzaa is a unique African-American holiday that pays tribute to the rich cultural roots of Americans of African ancestry. Kwanzaa is a Kiswahili word that has its genesis in the term Matunda Ya Kwanza which translates as "the first" or "the first fruits," and is observed from December 26 through January 1. There will be arts and crafts sessions designed,to help youngsters to better understand and celebrate Kwanzaa.
Kwanzaa as developed by Dr. Maulana Karenga, its founder, is unique in that it is a cultural rather than a religious, political, or heroic holiday. Its foundation is based on
seven fundamental principles: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith) which are referred to as the Nguzo Saba.
Kwanzaa is not intended as a substitute for Christmas. According to Dr. Karenga, "Kwanzaa could be best described as a cultural reaffirmation. A time for African-Americans to reflect upon their rich cultural heritage." Gifts are exchanged during Kwanzaa and it is preferred that they be creative, i.e., handmade or functional, like a book.
The public is cordially invited to attend this celebration of Kwanzaa. The Principle of Ujamaa (cooperative economics) implores African Americans to build and maintain community stores, shops, and other businesses, and to jointly profit from them. Traditionally, the program involves remembering, reassessing, and recommitting, followed by a libation, dance performance, and reception.
The National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center is one of 58 sites administered by the Ohio Historical Society, a nonprofit organization that serves as the state’s partner in preserving and interpreting Ohio’s history, archeology and natural history. For more information about the Ohio Historical Society and its programs, call 614.297.2300/800.686.6124 or visit www.ohiohistory.org
Kwanzaa events will be held at the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center, 1350 Brush Row Road in Wilberforce, 1/2 mile west of Route 42, adjacent to Central State University. All Kwanzaa events feature free admission! For more information call (937) 376-4944 x 115.
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