MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Several events will be held in the Mid-South this week for Kwanzaa, a celebration of African culture.
The holiday spans seven days to celebrate its seven principles. Different colored candles are lit for each day to represent the principles. Black means unity. Red signifies self-determination. Cooperative economics is represented by a candle. Another candle stands for creativity. Finally, the green candles symbolize collective work and responsibility, purpose and faith. Today is a celebration of the first principle for the holiday, Umoja (Unity).
On Tuesday, Dec. 26, the day of Umoja, Orange Mound Community Center at 2590 Park Ave. hosted a Kwanzaa event at 10:30 a.m. Additionally, another event was held at Kukutana African American History & Cultural Museum at 1036 Firestone Ave. at 3:30 p.m.
On Wednesday, Dec. 27, the day of Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Abyssinian M. B. Church, located at 3890 Millbranch Rd, will hold an event at 3 p.m.
On Thursday, Dec. 28, the day of Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), a visit will be made to the Northeastern Complex (state prison for men) in Tiptonville, TN.
On Friday, Dec. 29, the day of Ujamma (Cooperative Economics), McFarland Community Center at 4955 Cottonwood Road will host an event at 3 p.m. RESPECT the Haven CDC will host an event in the Southland Mall at 6 p.m.
On Saturday, Dec. 30, the day of Nia (Purpose), an event will be held at Auction Block at Main and Auction at noon. Another event will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. at The Vineyard on 4715 Elvis Presley Blvd.
On Sunday, Dec. 31, the day of Kuumba (Creativity), Providence A.M.E. Church on 384 Decatur St. will hold an event, co-hosted by the church's pastor, Rev. Kevin Brooks, and Councilwoman-elect Pearl Eva Walker, at 2:30 p.m.
On Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, the day of Imani (Faith), an event will be held at Abyssinian M. B. Church on 3890 Millbranch Rd. at 3 p.m.