*(Los Angeles, CA) — The African American community in Los Angeles was joined by the African diaspora on December 26-January 1, to celebrate Kwanzaa, an International & Pan African holiday.
Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, community and culture. Kwanzaa was created by Maulana Karenga in 1966. 2022 theme “Kwanzaa, Culture & The Practice of Freedom: A Message and Model for Our Times.”
LA South Chamber of Commerce and nonprofit LA South Hope Foundation hosted a Kwanzaa celebration and marketplace on Thursday, December 29, 2022, from 2-6PM, at A.C. Bilbrew Library, 150 East El Segundo Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA. 90061.
A.C. Bilbrew Library Manager Jeffrey Sichaleune welcomed Dexter McLeod, President/CEO Los Angeles South Chamber of Commerce (LASCC) and his team on this cold, overcast afternoon.
Check out exclusive photos from the event and more info, below.
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Attendees were invited to commemorate the fourth 4th principle of (UJAMAA) of Kwanzaa. UJAMAA (Cooperative economics): to build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.
Local vendors were on site to sell their products, showcase goods and services. The offerings consisted of books, travel services, homemade food products, clothing, jewelry and other accessories and body care products.
An educational, entertaining and informative program was well received by the attendees. Entertainment was provided by Lady Zhe as everyone gathered in the conference room.
LA South Chamber of Commerce President/CEO welcome everyone and introduced Jeffrey Sichaleune, Community Library Manager, A.C. Bilbrew Library, who gave a fascinating overview of the history of A.C. Bilbrew and the services and resources available at the library.
Rose Mitchell (Retired), Black Resource Center Librarian at A.C. Bilbrew Library was the perfect choice to lead the Kwanzaa program. Ms. Mitchell performed a Libation to acknowledge and honor our ancestors. Ms. Mitchell continued with a history of Kwanzaa, an overview of the seven principles of Kwanzaa and explained how Kwanzaa is celebrated throughout the diaspora.
Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Cal State Long Beach professor Maulana Karenga to commemorate the African harvest festival traditions and emphasize different values every day of the week, December 26-January 1.
Each day of the celebration has a focus- UMOJA (Unity), KUJICHAGULIA (Self-determination), UJIMA (Collective Work & Responsibility), UJAMAA (Cooperative economics), NIA (Purpose), KUUMBA (Creativity), and IMANI (Faith).
A delightful and delicious soul food dinner was served to the attendees at the Kwanzaa Celebration and Marketplace.
Ricky Richardson is a Southern California-based writer, music reviewer and photographer. Contact him via: [email protected]
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