409 Schenectady Street, Schenectady, New York 12307, United States
Welcome to Kwanzaa 2020-2021 Habari Gani : Whats the News?
There's much to see here. So, take your time, look around, and learn all there is to know about Kwanzaa. Click on the picture of the main stage to enjoy Entertainment from talent throughout the Capital District. Watch the videos below to learn about Kwanzaa, to pour libation with us, to be welcomed into the home of a different local family for Candle lighting each day and finally to shout Harambe with Aaron Carter! After that click on the pictures to explore Ujamaa Market , our daily workshop based on the principle of the day or to explore the Children's corner to find the story of the day or coloring pages.
What is Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan African Holiday founded by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, with the intent to bring the black community together. Observed over a period of seven days from December 26th to January 1st, this celebration of family, community and culture is now practiced by over 18 million people worldwide. A non-religious holiday meant to bring all of the African diaspora together, the celebration was designed to strengthen community, reaffirm common identity, purpose and direction.
The word Kwanzaa is drawn from the Swahili phrase “Matunda Ya Kwanza”, which means first fruits. Swahili is a trade language used to facilitate communication between different language groups, this became a popular language in the Pan-African movement who sought to bring together Africans from all back grounds. Kwanzaa introduces and reinforces the Nguzo Saba (the Seven Principles.) The seven basic values of African culture that contribute to building and reinforcing family, community and culture. The Nguzo Saba both reinforce and enhance the building blocks of community. Each day of Kwanzaa is focused on the reflection and practice of one of these principles.
- Umoja (Unity) To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.
- Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.
- Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) To build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and to solve them together.
- Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.
- Nia (Purpose) To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
- Kuumba (Creativity) To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
7. Imani (Faith) To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
Ujamaa Market
Children's Corner: With a new Story Teller every day!
Ujamaa Market
If customers can’t find it, it doesn’t exist. Clearly list and describe the services you offer. Also, be sure to showcase a premium service.
Workshops
Children's Corner: With a new Story Teller every day!
Ujamaa Market
Having a big sale, on-site celebrity, or other event? Be sure to announce it so everybody knows and gets excited about it.
Children's Corner: With a new Story Teller every day!
Children's Corner: With a new Story Teller every day!
Children's Corner: With a new Story Teller every day!
Having a big sale, on-site celebrity, or other event? Be sure to announce it so everybody knows and gets excited about it.