PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Women of Color Giving Circle and the Rites of Passage and Empowerment Program will present their annual community Kwanzaa celebration at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at Zion Lutheran Church, 74 First St.

 

Kwanzaa is a non-religious celebration held Dec. 26 through Jan. 1. The holiday celebrates African and African American culture, with an emphasis on seven principles geared toward uplift and empowerment.  

 

The program, which will be held in the Zion Common Room, will include a youth panel discussion on the topic, "Where do we go from here," featuring Roos Bajnath, Brian Annor-Bash, Ronny Brizan, Patrick Gordon, Olivia Nda, Sadiya Quetti, and Gloria Williams.  

 

The evening's performances will include a special guest, jazz and blues singer Samirah Evans; selections from Abby Percy and James Ryan; and an African dance and drum presentation led by Noel Staples-Freeman.  

 

There is a suggested fee of $20 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. Also, Kwanzaa-themed T-shirts will be on sale for $25-$35. 

 

For more information, contact Shirley Edgerton at 413-496-4602.