YMI Cultural Center Celebrates Kwanzaa

The YMI Cultural Center will present a traditional Kwanzaa Celebration on Tuesday, December 30 from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m.

from staff reports

The YMI Cultural Center will present a traditional Kwanzaa Celebration
on Tuesday, December 30 from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. Activities will
include music, singing, drumming and special children’s activities. A
panel of seven esteemed community leaders will offer their insights on
the seven Guiding Principles.

Kwanzaa, which was founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, is a
unique African American celebration focused on the traditional African
values of family, community responsibility, commerce, and
self-improvement. The word “Kwanzaa” means “first fruits of the
harvest.” The festival is neither political nor religious, nor a
substitute for Christmas, but a celebration and reaffirmation of
African American peoples, their ancestors, and cultures.

Over seven days, from December 26 to January 1, the festival honors the seven Guiding Principles (“Nguzo Saba”), as follows:

* Umoja (oo-MO-jah): “Unity” stresses the importance of
togetherness for the family and community, 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 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

* Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah): “Creativity” makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community

* 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.

The YMI’s Kwanzaa celebration is free and open to the public,
and hors d’oeuvre and beverages will be served. African-inspired attire
is suggested for this traditional occasion. For additional information
or questions, please call the YMI at (828) 252-4614 or visit the YMI
website at www.ymicc.org.

Schedule of Events

Kwanzaa Children
12:00 noon – 12:45 p.m.
with Terry Edgerton
Welcome
Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy
Libation/Opening Ceremony
1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Kwanzaa Overview
1:30 p.m.
Performances
1:40 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Drumming, Dancing, Singing
– Nations Beat with
Adama Dembele &
Ensemble Djembeso

Kwanzaa Guiding Principles Insightful Presenters
•    Elaine Robinson – Umoja
•    Priscilla Ndiaye – Kujichagulia
•    Gene Bell – Ujima
•    Willie Mae Brown – Ujamaa
•    Belinda Grant – Nia
•    Jamal Neal Jackson – Kuumba
•    Elder Johnny Hayes – Imani