Site Meter Charlotte, NC » Blog Archive » Kwanzaa in the QC

Kwanzaa in the QC

by The Rock Relic

Y’know, we’re so busy shopping for last-minute presents, wrapping, partygoing and watching the upteenth broadcast of It’s A Wonderful Life (so, sue me … I can never get tired of watching it! Interesting fact: It actually debuted during the summer of 1946. It was also the only movie parodied by the late, great Beavis and Butthead!).

Nonetheless, we seem to forget about another, extremely meaningful celebration — that of Kwanzaa! Created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, it stresses the importance of unity and tradition among the African-American community (and, actually, that’s a great idea across-the-board these days!). Along with emphasizing the dignity of those of African descent, it sends a strong message of peace and hope. There are seven principles (called, in Swahili, Nguzo Saba) that are so profound that, actually, I believe they should transcend the races and be practiced by everyone.

The celebration, which runs from December 26 to January 1, is the visual key to society-in-general, and Charlotte has a number of events planned to honor it. Here (courtesy the Charlotte Observer) is what’s planned:


CHARLOTTE EVENTS

  • Dec. 26: Discuss the meaning and importance of Kwanzaa, and hear African drumming. 7-9 p.m. Beatties Ford Road branch library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road. 704-336-2882.
  • Dec. 27: Learn about self-determination and be entertained by dancers and drummers from the McCrorey YMCA and the Second Calvary Baptist Church. 7-9 p.m. Freedom Regional Library, 1230 Alleghany Ave. 704-336-2721.
  • Dec. 28: An educational evening devoted to a discussion of collective work and responsibility. 7-9 p.m. West Boulevard branch library, 2157 West Blvd. 704-336-6802.
  • Dec. 30: The jazz band A Sign of the Times performs. 8 p.m. Excelsior Club, 921 Beatties Ford Road. $10. 704-334-5709.
  • Jan. 1: Faith is the topic of discussion at this final event on the Kwanzaa calendar. 6-8 p.m. Afro-American Cultural Center, 401 N. Myers St. Free. 704-374-1565.

A SALISBURY EVENT

Dec. 26: African drumming, an African market, refreshments and prizes are part of a celebration of the first day of the holiday. 6-8 p.m. J.F. Hurley YMCA, 828 Jake Alexander Blvd. Free. 704-636-0111.

Learn all you can about this amazing celebration of peace, unity and tradition … and appreciate its meaning to all of us.


Posted in Announcements, Attractions, Charlotte area, General, News, Pineville, Special Events, education, history on December 22nd, 2007

Link to this Entry

Recent Posts

Related Posts

  • No related posts

Leave a Reply


About Charlotte, NC

This site, "About Charlotte", gives the reader an inside look at one of the most progressive yet comfortable cities in the nation. With each entry, the blog will take the reader into Charlotte, North Carolina and explore the faces, places, attractions, and events of the area. Highly diverse and consumer-oriented, the Queen City continues to grow as an eclectic mix of big business and down-home friendliness.

Charlotte, NC Author(s)
    » The-Rock-Relic

NAVIGATE

LINKS

CATEGORIES

TOP COMMENTERS

RECENT COMMENTS

SUBSCRIBE

ARCHIVES

American Cities Channel Posts

  • Parks Dedicated
    John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park Mayor Kathy Taylor, Tulsa City Councilors and community leaders broke ground yesterday, Monday, Nov. 17 at 10 a.m. on the John Hope Franklin Reconciliation [...]
  • What Racial Bigots Don't Know
    Man, you've gotta be kiddin' me!! I mean, I thought this racism crap was pretty much over and done with! But, now, with our first African-American President-elect, it seems the slimy maggots who [...]
  • Passing Up on Midwest Winter for Portland Rain
    So, I finally broke it to my family today, that I will not be returning home for the holidays this December. There are many reasons for this but number one is...I don't want to deal with a Midwest [...]
  • May you be Blessed Esp. Daniel Cobb and Haysen Weir
    [caption id="attachment_1212" align="alignnone" width="500" caption="Creative Thinking and healing to you all!"][/caption] Is World Peace Possible? This is dedicated to Dr. Daniel Cobb, D.O.M. for [...]
  • KRAKAUER AND HAIMOVITZ PERFORM 'AKOKA (MESSIAEN REMIX)' AND CABARET OF ORIGINAL WORKS
    Praised as "one of the most elegant and shattering compositions of the 20th century," Olivier Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time is the centerpiece of clarinetist/klezmerist DAVID KRAKAUER [...]
  • Sports Wrap Up and Coming Up
    Wrap Up of results from November 10-16, 2008 Washington Capitals 11/10 vs. Lightning Won 4-2 11/12 @ Carolina Hurricanes Won 5-1 11/14 vs. Devils Won 3-1 11/15 @ Devils Lost 6-5 in [...]
  • Good-Bye, Norma and Gene ...
    Well, it looks like I'm gonna be losin' a coupla friends in a few weeks, as Norma and Gene (real names) are gonna be headin' out west to their "winter" home in Las Vegas. Huh?? Wellllll, maybe a [...]
  • Protest at Tulsa City Hall
    Join The Impact! Saturday, November 15th, 10:00 a.m. at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center This Saturday, in cities across the nation, fair-minded individuals and families will [...]
  • National Protest Against Prop 8 Today
    Are you looking for information on where to attend the National Protest Against Prop 8? Well, we have the information right here for you! City: Philadelphia Address: City Hall: Broad & [...]
  • Portland Power: Bonneville Hydroelectric Dam
    Portland is surrounded by rivers. Sure most people just think of the Willamette and the Columbia, but you'd be missing out on the extensive river systems of our part of the Pacific [...]

 

Hot Off The Press

  • Thoughts on Manu, Survivor Series Announcers and More
    JR has updated his blog once again, here are the highlights: JR on Manu: Manu gave us a glimpse of what might be in his future as Wild Samoan Afa's son had a really good outing with Batista. [...]
  • Dear Kids Who Stole My Car Last Night...
    ...and I'm presuming you were kids, teenagers, etc. since we didn't actually catch you IN the act - we do know that you're short, as you managed to pull the seat way forward. Heh. And since we're [...]
  • Yea, Another Excuse
    I know it seems like I"m always coming up with one excuse or another but for now, I'm just in a funk.  My feed reader has 1045 in it right now....can I possibly read that much?  Well, that [...]
  • New TV on DVD Releases 11/18
    Here is this week’s edition of new releases of DVDs that feature kids shows. Some are previously seen episodes from television while others are straight to DVD episodes or movies based on kids TV [...]
  • Watching the View Off-Topic Thread November 18, 2008
    This is where you can talk about anything unrelated to The View. This thread is not monitored. [...]
  • Lyme Disease and Depression
    One of the points that the book I shredded yesterday was trying to make is that many people are misdiagnosed with major depression or bipolar disorder. Actually, quite a lot of doctors and [...]
  • Hugh Laurie on Ellen
    I just got done watching Hugh's segment on Ellen and it was, of course, hilarious! If anyone finds a YouTube, please let me know and I'll put it up immediately! Anyway, Hugh came out and looked [...]
  • Bachelorette DeAnna Moves On
    Well it looks like former Bachelorette DeAnna Pappas is getting on with her life. Instead of having her own wedding DeAnna is going to be a wedding show host. That is right DeAnna has been tapped to [...]
  • Diabetes could cost U.S. well over $218 billion
    Study estimates financial toll from rapidly increasing disease As diabetes is rapidly becoming one of the world's most common diseases, its financial cost is mounting, too, to well over $200 [...]
  • Bergdorf Goodman 40% Off On Your Favorite Brands
    Bergdorf Goodman is holding a 40% Off sale on your favorite brand names like: Alexander McQueen Carolina Herrera Derek Lam Dolce & Gabbana Donna Karan Collection Ralph Lauren Collection [...]