Third Annual Community Kwanzaa Celebration
Pittsfield, Mass. - The celebration and significance of Kwanzaa are deeply rooted in the concept and practice of creating and sharing good in the world. For its ancient African rooted cultural teachings carry with them principles of thought and practice which not only guide how we relate among ourselves as families and communities, but also how we relate to others, the earth and indeed the world and all in it.Kwanzaa invites and encourages us to be thankful for the abundant good of the earth and to act in ways that show we will and consciously work for the well-being and wholeness of the world. There are Seven Principles, which support and achieve this aim, offering a clear path to pursue this. For these core values are not simply principles, but also at the same time required practices: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).
The Women of Color Giving Circle, with support from the City of Pittsfield's Department of Cultural Development, presents: The Third Annual Community Kwanzaa Celebration:"Ujamaa, Cooperative Economics," a day set aside to emphasize the importance of building and maintaining our own community stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together. This community gathering will be held on December 29, 2008, at the Masonic Temple, located at 116 South Street in downtown Pittsfield, Massachusetts. This event is free (Suggested Donation $1) includes: 5 P.M. dinner, music, performances by Focus is Our Children, Youth Alive, an official Kwanzaa Ceremony highlighting principles of family and community values, and more!
The Women of Color Giving Circle is a grassroots philanthropic organization under the fiscal umbrella of the Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts. The Circle is dedicated to raising funds for the community by the community with a focus on programs aiding young women and education. For more information on the Third Annual Community Kwanzaa Celebration: "Ujamaa, Cooperative Economics" or the Women of Color Giving Circle, please contact Felicea Robinson at 954-336-6164 or Nakeida Bethel-Smith 413-464-9645.
