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Kwanzaa Memphis (2012-13)

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Kwanzaa (or Kwaanza), which acknowledges, honors and salutes African-American heritage, is observed Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. First observed Dec. 26, 1966 to Jan. 1, 1967, it's founder, Ron Karenga, has described it as the African-American branch of "first fruits" celebrations with classical African cultural roots.

The seven-day cultural celebration is anchored by the seven principles of the Nguzo Saba, with a focus on a different principle each day.

For 30-plus years, Memphis-area observances were spearheaded by the late Adjua Naantaanbuu, who encouraged celebrants to live out the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles of Kwanzaa) everyday.

Here is a list of the principles and the events scheduled to coincide with the daily observances:

Memphis Kwanzaa International, Inc.

Dr. Kaia Naantaanbuu, President

DAY 1:

UMOJA (Unity)

6 p.m.-until, Memphis Kwanzaa Center, 1549 Elvis Presley Blvd.,

Keynote speakers: "King: Omari Baruti, 19, junior at Morehouse College (Atlanta), "Queen" Amina Naantaanbuu, 17, freshman at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

Day 2:

KUJICHAGULIA (Self-Determination)

5 p.m.- 7:30 p.m., Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks Library.

Keynote speaker: Queen Shukriyyah Darboe. (Staff Snowden School)

DAY 3:

UJIMA (Collective Work & Responsibility)

Friday, Dec. 28

6 p.m.-until, Memphis Kwanzaa Center, 1549 Elvis Presley Blvd.,

Keynote speaker: Dr. Noel G. L. Hutchinson Jr.. pastor of First Baptist Lauderdale and host of the TV show "BLACK Thought."

DAY 4:

UJAMAA (Cooperative Economics)

Saturday, Dec. 29

6 p.m.-until, Memphis Kwanzaa Center, 1549 Elvis Presley Blvd.,

Community speakers will commemorate, honor and install "Queen" Adjua Naantaanbuu, founder of Memphis Kwanzaa International (founded 36 years ago), into Memphis: The Community of Legends.

Tickets, $30, with a full dinner served.

DAY 5:

NIA (Purpose)

Sunday, Dec. 30

4 p.m.-7:30 p.m., The Dr. Martin Luther King Labor Center, 485 Beale St.

Keynote speaker: Dr Jeffrey Ryan Futrell from North Side High School will talk on "What is our purpose: Guns and Gods in a World Gone Mad."

DAY 6:

KUUMBA (Creativity)

Monday, Dec. 31

9 a.m.- 3:30 p.m., West Tennessee State Penitentiary, 480 Green Chapel Rd., Henning, Tenn.

Keynote speaker: Dr Eddie Yancey, University Of Memphis; topic: "Creating a Positive Self in a Negative World."

DAY 7:

IMANI (Faith)

Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013

3 p.m.-5:30 p.m., Memphis Kwanzaa Center, 1549 Elvis Presley Blvd.

Keynote speaker: World's Redeemer Pastor Jerry L. Ivery Sr., who will be the "King" for the day, will speak on this topic: "What Happened to the People of Faith?"

NOTES:

* For more information, call 901-239-1555 or 901-210-1218.

* Most nights include free refreshment.

Mid-South Kwanzaa, Inc.

Ayanna Ruby Payne, President

DAY 1:

UMOJA (Unity)

2 p.m., Memphis Board of Education Auditorium on Avery. Sponsored by Memphis City Schools and the Orange Mound Progressive Women, Firm Believers in Christ Worship Center – Dr. Eric & Cynthia Boyland.

7 p.m., Unity Christian Church, 3345 McCorkle Rd. Sponsored by the Rev. Eric Donaldson.

Day 2:

KUJICHAGULIA (Self-Determination)

10:30 a.m., Lewis Center for Senior Citizens, 1188 N. Parkway.

Sponsored by Adimu and Pearl Ali

5 p.m., The Rhythm of Kwanzaa –Victory University, 255 N. Highland Street.

Sponsored by the Blues City Cultural Center (Levi and Debra Frazier).

7 p.m., Matthew R. David Resource Center, 1036 Firestone.

Sponsored by LeQuita and Willie Eva Sims

DAY 3:

UJIMA (Collective Work & Responsibility)

Friday, Dec. 28

10:30 a.m., Orange Mound Senior Service Center, 2590 Park Ave.

Sponsored by Carolyn Crawford and Frances Barnes.

5 p.m., Brown Missionary Baptist Church, 980 Stateline Road E.

Sponsored by Dr. Bobbie Shaw.

7 p.m., Exum Towers, 3155 Sharpe Ave.

Sponsored by Reuben and Lula Barnes

DAY 4:

UJAMAA (Cooperative Economics)

Saturday, Dec. 29

2 p.m., Slavehaven, 826 N. 2nd St.

Sponsored by Heritage Tours

5 p.m., Economic Summit, The LeMoyne-Owen College, Student Lounge,

807 Walker Ave.

Sponsored by Ayodele Kofie.

DAY 5:

NIA (Purpose)

Sunday, Dec. 30

3 p.m., Kwanzaa Pageant Vendors Market; 4:30 p.m., Kwanzaa Pageant, Southwest Tennessee Community College auditorium, 737 Union Ave.

Tickets: $5 in advance; $7, door.

Sponsored by RBG Productions.

7 p.m., Lester Community Center, 317 Tillman St.

Sponsored by Osupa Williams, Frances Barnes and the Tillman-Binghampton CDC.

DAY 6:

KUUMBA (Creativity)

Monday, Dec. 31

7 p.m., Java, Juice, & Jazz Restaurant, 1423 Elvis Presley Blvd.

Sponsored by Johari Brittenum

DAY 7:

IMANI (Faith)

Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013

4 p.m., University of Memphis Panhellenic Bldg.

Sponsored by the African and African American Studies Department and Shelby County Commissioner Henri Brooks.

HONOREES

Umoja (Unity): Reginald Porter; Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): Rev. Dr. Eric Boyland; Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility): Joyce Parkinson; Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): Dr. Carnita Atwater; Nia (Purpose): Dr. Jeffery Ryan Futrell; Kuumba (Creativity): Dr. Helen Harper; Imani (Faith): Pastor Clarence Kelby Heath; Family of the Year: Elliott and Tracey Barnes & Family.