NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — For many, Christmas is over now, but the holidays aren’t completely finished. Kwanzaa is well underway, and the service organization, "The Sophisticated Ladies" is working to raise awareness about the holiday.
Kwanzaa is a non-religious holiday created in the 60s to celebrate a full week of Black-American culture. It is celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.
Kwanzaa has 7 principles: (Swahili to English translation)
- Umoja: Unity
- Kujichagulia: Self-determination
- Ujima: Collective Responsibility
- Ujamaa: Cooperative Economics
- Nia: Purpose
- Kuumba: Creativity
- Imani: Faith
Organizers put together a free event from the 27th through 30th at the Downing Gross Cultural Arts Center. It includes Pan-African and African-American vendors, food, fashion, pageantry, and prizes—all in an effort to highlight the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and fifth days of Kwanzaa.
Dr. JeterFonee Jones Giles, the founder of the Sophisticated Ladies, said she wanted to see more of in Hampton Roads.
“I started looking for Kwanzaa celebrations to go to. I went out of town going to DC, Maryland and I said 'okay' allow me to do one where I live,” said Giles.
The purpose of the event was to provide a learning opportunity, not only for herself but for those who helped make it happen.
“We just share the knowledge of what the principles mean and it all boils down to you loving your community—doing productive things in your community," she said.
If you're interested in celebrating with this organization, they have another event in the center tomorrow and more in Suffolk until the 30th from 2 to 4. For more information, visit here: Kwanzaa-Celebrations-Eventbrite
