Kicking off a week of Kwanzaa in South Florida

Pounding drums, singing, vibrant clothes and a week of feasts beginning tonight mark the start of Kwanzaa.

Each night of the holiday celebrates African-American culture and heritage through one of the seven principles: umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity) and imani (faith).

The original purpose was to give African-Americans a way to celebrate their roots, but Kwanzaa has since expanded to include all cultures. The holiday lasts seven days and ends Jan. 1.

Here are some celebrations happening around South Florida this week.

Kwanzaa Story Time: Miami Children?s Museum, 980 MacArthur Cswy, Miami. Dec. 26, 1 p.m.

Sankofa Returns: African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, 6161 NW 22nd Ave., Miami. Dec. 26. 6 p.m.

AALRC Celebrates Kwanzaa: African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, 6161 NW 22nd Ave., Miami. Dec. 28. 1 p.m. ? 7.

Candle-lighting, guest speaker:Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 2400 Charleston St., Hollywood. Dec. 28, 7 p.m..

Steel drumming, dance, drama and poetry:African American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Dec. 28; 1 p.m.-7.

A Kwanzaa Experience: Joseph Caleb Center Auditorium, 5400 NW 22 Ave., Miami. Dec. 29. 6:30 p.m.

Candle-lighting and discussion:Washington Park Community Center, 5199 Pembroke Road, Hollywood. Dec. 29, 7 p.m.

Florida A&M University Alumni Association?s Williams Woodard Legacy Kwanzaa Celebration: African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, 6161 NW 22nd Ave., Miami. Dec 30. 7 p.m.

Lessons on the principles of Kwanzaa: St. Matthew?s Episcopal Church Parrish Hall, 404 SW 3rd Ave., Delray Beach; Dec. 30. 7 p.m. to 9.

Dance, storytelling and art exhibits:Bass Park, 2750 NW 19th Street, Fort Lauderdale. Dec. 31, 1 p.m. to 5.

HERALD AND SUN SENTINEL REPORT

Source: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/12/25/2561787/kwanzaa-kicks-off-tonight.html

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