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Brooklyn,
New York: Afro Heritage Venture recently presented Kwanzaa 2006 at Cypress Hills branch of Brooklyn Public Library Dec.28th, 2006.
Report by Tosin Mustapha
Tosin
Mustapha of -Afro Heritage Presents a book during the kwanza event at Cypress
Hills
Mukamabano
Rwandan artist demostrates kummba creativity
Double
O production performs authentic African dances
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Ms Hadeep of Brooklyn Public Library, Tosin,
Muka, and James family
ABOUT
KWANZA- Tosin Mustapha :
Afro Heritage Venture is a New York based not for profit organization dedicated to improving cultural and educational developments in the community. Afro Heritage Venture organizes innovative cultural programs such as Kwanzaa, Black History Month, Graduation celebrations, Poetry Day celebrations, Essay-writing competitions and so many others to motivate people to improve on self-developments and also contribute to community developments in a cultural setting since 2002. The contributors are educators, poets, writers, artists, social workers and community leaders who all have a passion for community developments. The organization also publishes Afro Heritage magazine quarterly to educate, inform and culturally entertain people on the strengths and accomplishments of people of African descent without prejudice.
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Kwanzaa, an African American celebration of the "First Fruits of Harvest" was founded by an American, Dr. Maulana Karenga of California State University in 1966 after studying different cultures that really improve self-developments and also contribute to socio-economic developments in the community. It is celebrated from December 26th-January 1st of every year. Kwanzaa is based on seven principles which are 1-Umoja- which means unity.2-Kujichagula-which means self determination in the society.3-Ujima-which means sharing love in the community.4-Ujamaa-which means being self reliant to own business for economic growth. 5-Nia- which means to have a purpose in the community in order to achieve greatness. 6-Kuumba-which means to be creative and be beneficial to the community.7-Imani- which means having faith in our community, parents, elders, leaders and righteousness and struggles of our ancestors.
Kwanzaa 2006 presentation by Afro Heritage Venture was educational, entertaining and informative. The guests learned the importance of celebrating Kwanzaa which is more than a holiday. There was a very beautiful entertainment by renowned Rwandan artist, Muka. Double O production also entertained by displaying some authentic, beautiful African dance steps to the delight of the audience.The founder/president of Afro Heritage Venture, Olutosin Mustapha explained the meaning and significance of Kwanzaa princples and symbols. There were educational gifts for the audience which included some books donated by Cypress Hills branch of Brooklyn Public Library ,and Con Edison www.coned.com/kids in the spirit of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa gifts must always include a book which motivates children to read. Mr Francis James, a community leader and Chief Financial Officer of a Finance House was the keynote speaker. He spoke on the "Relevance of Culture and Education in the Community".
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