CARY’S 9^th ANNUAL KWANZAA:  STRENGTHENING OUR YOUTH:
21^st CENTURY LEADERSHIP

CARY , NC – The ninth annual Cary Kwanzaa celebration will take place on Saturday, December 27^th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Herb Young Community Center in 404 North Academy Street .  The theme of this year’s celebration is “Strengthening Our Youth: 21st Century Leadership.” The celebration includes fun for the whole family with an ethnic food and vendor market and craft activities for children.  This event is an opportunity to experience a celebration that honors African-American people and their culture. The program is free and open to the public.

Cary Kwanzaa is a communal, cultural celebration that honors African-American people and their heritage. It is a celebration for all people, focusing on the family, friends and the fruits of the earth. During Kwanzaa, people are invited to ponder the Nguzo Saba, seven powerful principles derived from African heritage, as a means of taking stock, celebrating achievements, and entering the future refreshed and renewed. Jazz music will be performed by the Freddy Green Jazz Group. Other features include Willa Brigham with Kwanzaa storytelling and the Fruit of Labor Singing Ensemble in musical celebration.

Schedule of Activities  

11:00 a.m.         The Freddy Green Jazz Group

11:30 a.m.         Call to Order and initial program- Shanni Barrix

                        Procession of Elders

                        Vazquez African-Caribbean Dance Company & Maria Middleton Dance Group

                        "Lift Every Voice and Sing" sung by Rod Oliver-Hughes with children 

                        Welcome - Karyn Thomas 

                        Libation

Noon                  Fruits of Labor Singing Group with Angaza Laughinghouse

12:20 p.m.          Harambee Circle - Salima Thomas

12:25 p.m.          Vazquez African-Carribbean Dance Company

12:45 p.m.          Maria Middleton Dance Group

1:05 p.m.           Willa Brigham - Kwanzaa Storytelling

1:25 p.m.           Candle lighting & Proclamation

1:40 p.m.           Vazquez African-Caribbean Dance Company

2:00 p.m.           Dr. Na'im Akbar keynote speech

3:15 p.m.           Fruits of Labor Singing Group with Angaza Laughinghouse

3:35 p.m.           Numa "Pee Wee" Moore Jazz Group

4:15 p.m.           Maria Middleton Dance Group  

The Town of Cary co-sponsors the Kwanzaa Celebration through the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department with The Ujima Group, Inc., a non-profit group that promotes cultural diversity through educational programs and the arts.  For more information, please call (919) 469-4061 or visit the Town’s website at www.townofcary.org.  

###