“It’s KWANZAA Time”

Let’s Pull Together for Collective Work and Responsibility

We are quickly approaching one of the most exciting, educational and reflective times of the year for people of African descent, especially in the U.S.A., KWANZAA.   The celebration of the Matunda ya KWANZAA (First Fruits) is a time to examine where we are as a people in our struggle for true liberation, analyze ways to establish higher goals of unity and purpose as African people and to evaluate our progress, and, finally, to reaffirm our belief in the righteousness of our struggle and the power of our ancestors and cultural roots. 

Two events taking place during the month of December should be marked priority on your calendar right now.  It matters not whether you're a seasoned veteran of KWANZAA celebrations and activities or a neophyte looking for your first direct involvement with the rituals,  sounds and cultural excitement of the experience, because these two events will expose you to all that KWANZAA is about.  To the veteran presenters of these two events, KWANZAA is not a fad, fashion statement, temporary escape from reality, nor a panacea for all our troubles.  It is a way of life that involves a combination of all of those who have come before us, all of us who are here now as well as those who are yet unborn.  These presentations are by people who have, through their examples and undying love for their people, blazed trails and stayed on the front line of the liberation struggle through words and deeds. 

The first highly recommended event is the Harambee Pre-KWANZAA Festival featuring Kwame Steve Cobb and Chavunduka of Cobbala Productions.  This annual event, being held on December 12^th , sets the stage for the official KWANZAA celebration from December 26^th to January 1^st.   This event is perfect for students, educators, and administrators of all schools because it is educational, cultural, authentic, dynamic, and interactive.  The multi-media  musical extravaganza covers all of the essential elements and reasons for KWANZAA and how to internalize and practice the guiding principles of the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles of Kwanzaa) throughout the year.

For more information on the pre-Kwanzaa celebration, view the brochure (Adobe Reader required) or visit Cobbala.com. If you don't have the Adobe Reader, click here to get the free resource.

The second highly recommended event is the Khepera and Associates Networking Services, Cobbala Production(s) and Olive-Harvey City College presentation and celebration of "Harambee na Nguzo Saba". Click here to view the flyer for the 2007 celebration.  This great annual event will be held on Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) December 28^th, 2007 at Olive Harvey College, Chicago 4:00-10:00pm. Kwesi Ron E. Harris and extended family have organized one of the most relevant and dynamic KWANZAA celebrations in the nation.  This community gathering embraces and  expands upon the original purpose, essence, spirit and urgency of  the  KWANZAA.  The educational, cultural and spiritual level of this event leaves one better informed, more aware of the role of culture in our struggle, and spiritually charged up to continue the battle to victory.  The camaraderie, the sense of nia (purpose), the shared chakula (food), the intergenerational spirit and the electrifying entertainment combine to make this a must attend affair.

Kwanzaa Celebration Ads

If you are interested in purchasing an advertisement and would like to be featured in the Kwanzaa program, click here and complete the ad contract form. Contract prices are as follows:

• $125 for full page ad

• $75 for half page ad

• $45 for quarter page ad

Checks and money orders should be made payable to Ronald E. Harris and mailed to 7938 So. Sacramento, Chicago, IL 60652. Deadline for ad submissions is December15th, 2007, so hurry!

Vendor Contract

Interested in becoming a 2007 Kwanzaa celebration vendor? Complete the vendor application and mail appropriate fees ($60) to 7938 So. Sacramento, Chicago, IL 60652

All About Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a cultural celebration observed by Africans in the Americas and the world over. Although it was not born on the continent it is indeed a fruit of Africa and her children, who though dispersed, have maintained a connection and sought to strengthen our cultural ties. More...

Why Kwanzaa?

As a necessary component of my cultural and spiritual development, in 1990 my family and I embarked upon our inaugural observance of Kwanzaa in our home. More...