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Updated: May 22
Kwanzaa St. Pete celebrated their 12th Annual “First Night” event at St. Petersburg’s Youth Farm on Friday, December 26.
Kwanzaa is an annual week-long celebration, observed from December 26 to January 1. Created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, it is based on seven core principles known as Ngouzo Saba. These principles – unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith – celebrate family, community, and culture, according to https://maulanakarenga.org/kwanzaa/.
St. Pete Youth Farm Director Carla Bristol hosted the celebration’s kickoff event on Friday.
“Long after somebody creates something and they’re not even here, we’re still calling their name, we’re still doing the work. I’m excited that Dr. Maulana Karenga created this series of days so that we can all celebrate together,” said Bristol.
The afternoon event featured African dance, a drum circle performance, and a libation ceremony, during which attendees honored their past loved ones and ancestors. Following the service, guests were served dinner and drinks. A highlight of the meal was the rosemary garlic bread, baked with fresh rosemary from St. Pete’s Youth Farm.
“It’s [Kwanzaa] about our community. It’s about us,” said Bristol.
The free event is the first of a seven-day series dedicated to Kwanzaa principles. The calendar includes:
Day 1 – UMOJA (Unity) @ Gallerie 909 & St. Pete Youth Farm | 5 PM – 8 PM Friday, December 26
Day 2 – KUJICHAGULIA (Self Determination) @ Cohort of Champions & Community EFX | 12 PM – 2 PM Saturday, December 27
Day 3 – UJIMA (Collective Work & Responsibility) @ Bethel Community Baptist Church | 4 PM – 6 PM Sunday, December 28
Day 4 – UJAMAA (Cooperative Economics) @ One Community Grocery Co-op & Child’s Park NA | 6 PM – 8 PM Monday, December 29
Day 5 – NIA (Purpose) @ St. Petersburg Islamic Center | 6 PM – 8 PM Tuesday, December 30
Day 6 – KUUMBA (Creativity) @ Women of Black Wall Street | 6 PM – 8 PM Wednesday, December 31
Day 7 – IMANI (Faith) @ Banya Tree Project Ino | 6 PM – 8 PM Monday, January 1
Follow Kwanzaa St. Pete for updates on the upcoming events.
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