Local churches and organizations will be participating in Kwanzaa activities and programs this week to mark the week-long celebration.
Kwanzaa honors African heritage in African-American culture, and is observed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, culminating in a feast and gift-giving.
Kwanzaa has seven core principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. It was was first celebrated in 1966.
Upcoming events:
Wednesday 7 p.m. New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman St., Youngstown. Umoja (unity) will include music, dancing and cultural expression with the Harambee Youth Organization of Youngstown;
Thursday, 6 p.m. Beulah Baptist Church, 570 Sherwood Ave., Youngstown. Kugichagulia (self-determination) with gospel celebration, liturgical dancing, pantomime and cultural celebration;
Friday, 6 p.m. Beulah Baptist Church, Ujima (collective work and responsibility) with gospel celebration, liturgical dancing, pantomime and cultural celebration;
Sunday, 4 p.m. Mount Sinai Baptist Church, 328 S. Forest St., Youngstown, Nia (purpose) with cultural and gospel celebration and pantomime;
Sunday, 4 p.m. Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, 505 Parkcliff Ave., Youngstown, with ministerial interpretations of the Nguzo Samba (The Seven Principles), music, choirs and cultural expression;
Monday, 5:30 p.m. The McGuffey Centre, 1649 Jacobs Road, Youngstown. Imani (faith) featuring African-American vendors, music, dancing and poetry with the Harambee of Youngstown, and Karamu, community feast with those attending asked to bring a covered dish.