Kwanzaa (Swahili for first fruit of the harvest) is a pan-African, cultural holiday that is observed in the United States from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Memphis Kwanzaa International, Inc. – founded by the late Adjua Naantaanbuu – has coordinated local celebrations for more than 30 years.

After Naantaanbuu’s death, a second chapter was organized: Mid-South Kwanzaa, Inc. This season, the seven principles of Kwanzaa will be observed at more sites throughout Memphis.

Memphis Kwanzaa International, Inc.:

Day 1: On Saturday, Dec. 26, Umoja (Unity) is the focus of this event at Benjamin L. Hooks Library, 3030 Poplar Ave., from 4 - 5:30 p.m.

Later that evening, from 7 - 8:30 p.m., Umoja will be observed again at New Sardis Baptist Church, 7739 East Holmes Rd.

Day 2: On Sunday, Dec. 27, the principle Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) will be observed from 3 - 6 p.m. at Masjid Al Mu’Minun/Muhammad Mosque 55 at 4412 South Third St.

Day 3: On Monday, Dec. 28, Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) will be the focus of this event on the campus of The LeMoyne-Owen College, 807 Walker Ave., from 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Day 4: On Tuesday, Dec. 29, Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) will be observed at Riverside Missionary Baptist Church in the O.D. White Family Life Center, 3560 South Third St., from 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Day 5: On Wednesday, Dec. 30, Nia (Purpose) is the operative word here at Memphis Black Arts Alliance, 985 South Bellevue Blvd., from 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Day 6: On Thursday, Dec. 31, The Links at Whitehaven is the venue for Kuumba (Creativity). The time is from 7 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are required.

Day 7: On Friday, Jan. 1, 2010, the Martin Luther King Jr. Labor Center, 485 Beale St., will observe the seventh principle, Imani (Faith), from 3 - 6 p.m.

Mid-South Kwanzaa Incorporated

Mid-South Kwanzaa Incorporated is sponsoring Kwanzaa week at a number of venues this holiday season. Dr. Ruby Payne is president.  Each day, activities will highlight one of the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.

On the first day of Kwanzaa (Saturday, Dec. 26), The LeMoyne-Owen College will observe Umoja (Unity). The college also will be the host site for Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Tuesday, Dec. 29. President Johnnie B. Watson and his wife will be the featured King and Queen at both events.

The schedule follows:

Day 1: On Saturday, Dec. 26,  Umoja (Unity) will be observed at the Memphis Board of Education auditorium, 2597 Avery Ave., starting at 1:30 p.m. Ayanna Payne is the sponsor.

Later that evening, from 7 - 8:30 p.m., Yelian Akpovo and LeQuita Sims will sponsor Umoja at Alpha Church, 1084 E. McLemore. Also, the Rev. LaSimba Gray is sponsoring Umoja at New Sardis Baptist Church, 7739 Holmes Rd., from 7 - 8:30 p.m.  

Day 2: On Sunday, Dec. 27, the principle Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) will be observed at Unity Christian Church, 3345 McCorkle Rd., from 7 - 8:30 p.m. George Tillman Jr. and Dr. Bowman, are sponsors.

Day 3: On Monday, Dec. 28, 2009, Reuben and Lula Barnes are sponsoring Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) at the Exum Towers, 3155 Sharpe Ave., from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Day 4: On Tuesday, Dec. 29, Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) will be observed at Lewis Center for Senior Citizens, 1188 N. Parkway, from 10 – 11 a.m. Yelian Akpovo and LeQuita Sims are sponsors.

Later that evening, from 7 - 8:30 p.m., Ayodele Kofie will sponsor Ujamaa in the Alma C. Hanson Student Center on the campus of The LeMoyne-Owen College, 807 Walker Ave.

Also, Ujamaa will be observed at Mosque #55, 873 Vance Ave., from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Minister Muhammad is the sponsor.

Day 5: On Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009, Nia (Purpose) will be observed at Orange Mound Senior Center, 2590 Park Ave., from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Dr. Niambi Webster is the sponsor.

Osupa Williams and Frances Barnes also are sponsoring Nia at Lester Community Center, 317 Tillman St., from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Day 6: On Thursday, Dec. 31, Kuumba (Creativity) will be observed at White’s Chapel Elementary, 3966 Sewanee Rd. The time is from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Carolyn Crawford is the sponsor.

Following the afternoon celebration, Johari Brittenum will sponsor Kuumba at Java Juice & Jazz, 1423 Elvis Presley, from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Day 7: On Friday, Jan. 1, Mid-South Kwanzaa, Inc. is sponsoring Imani (Faith) in the Pan-Hellenic Building on the campus of the University of Memphis at 4 p.m.