FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                       December 23, 2008

CARY , NC – Join in a cultural celebration unlike any other at 2008 Kwanzaa at Cary’s Herbert C. Young Community Center , 101 Wilkinson Ave., on Saturday, December 27 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.    This year’s celebration focuses on “Reconnection and Recommitment” and will feature ethnic foods, cultural performances, vendor market and craft activities for children.  Kwanzaa is a community cultural celebration that highlights African-American heritage and family through seven values - unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Admission to the celebration is free; food and vendor items are available for a charge.

Bernard Alonzo Bowen Sr. will deliver the keynote address.  A standout prep school athlete in basketball, football and baseball, Bowen has coached, refereed, and coordinated a number of athletic endeavors over the past 35 years.  He coached the Holcomb Rucker Tournament, the oldest street-ball basketball tournament in the world.

The complete line-up for the day includes:

11 a.m.                                    Libation – Lester Thomas

11:20 a.m.                               Charles (WSIR) Johnson

Noon                                        Pam Lambe – Comedy

1 p.m.                                      Welcome, Harambee

                                    Circle, Candle Lighting &  Proclamation

1:25 p.m.                                 Keynote Speaker Bernard Bowen

2 p.m.                                      The Third Rail Band

2:50 p.m.                                 European Modeling & Fashion Institute

3:35 p.m.                                 Salima and Clint Wilson Duet                                 

4:05 p.m.                                 Collage Dance Group

4:50 p.m.                                 Karyn C. Thomas

Cary Kwanzaa is part of three events in the Town of Cary that highlight African-American cultural traditions and history. Each January the Town celebrates the life of MLK, Jr. with its annual MLK, Jr. Dreamfest celebration (co-sponsored with the MLK, Jr. Task Force). In addition, each February the Town co-sponsors an African-American Celebration. Cary Kwanzaa and the African-American Celebration are co-sponsored by The Ujima Group, Inc.

For more information, please call (919) 460-4963 or visit Kwanzaa at www.townofcary.org.

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