Black Culture Center hosts Kwanzaa celebration Dec. 3

by Alex Johnson, posted Dec. 3, 2009

The Gaines Oldham Black Culture Center will host its annual pre-Kwanzaa celebration at 7 p. m. on Thursday at the Black Culture Center. The celebration teaches students the importance of celebrating Kwanzaa and its principles.

"Pre-celebration includes the lighting of the candles and talk about the benefits of the Kwanzaa and what it representation," says T. J. Mercer, student ambassador for the Gaines Oldham Black Culture Center. 

Mercer said the event is held annually and allows students to explore optional holiday celebrations during this time of the year. The purpose of the event is to relate the seven key principles of Kwanzaa to the life of the modern day student.

The seven principles include Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba, and Imani. When translated, these principles mean unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, collective economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

Students will be able to participate in an actual lighting of which holds seven candles that symbolize each of the seven principles.

"We like to explore the seven principles and its relevance," Mercer said. "We usually have a good turnout of around 50 plus people. Afterwards we celebrate with a soul food dinner and open discussion."

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