Ceremonial candles will shine a light on African heritage and African-American culture at the annual Kwanzaa celebration at 3 p.m. Saturday in the Red Room of the Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St. in downtown Columbus.
The flickering flames will be part of the mishumaa saba, Swahili for seven candles, symbolizing Kwanzaa’s seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
The free event organized by the Columbus Bartholomew County Area NAACP Branch will include live music from Nigerian native Kiya Coulibaly of Greenwood, Columbus Rev. David C. Bosley’s poetry readings, children’s African dance and a pitch-in dinner, according to organizers.
Last year about 65 to 75 people of various races and background attended, said Olisa Humes, the branch’s incoming president.
For the complete story, see Friday’s Republic.
