Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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DECEMBER 24-30, 2014 UCW 7 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM Kwanzaa was started in 1966 by Maulana Karenga on the west coast. It is a cultural family and community celebration of African American heritage celebrated by millions in the world and that is why the Umoja Group presents their celebration of Kwanzaa on Saturday, Dec. 27 from 5-8 pm at Smith Recreation Center. "Everyone is supposed to bring a favorite dish this year such as a casserole or a jug of tea," said Dorothy Fielder, director of the Umoja Group. "This celebration is important to have because African-American children do not know their history, greatness or positive aspects of black life and it is important that they know their value." Fielder added that they are trying to pass on what they do to the younger generation so that it will continue when they retire or die. Kwanzaa was established as a means to help African Americans reconnect with their African culture and historical heritage. It has 7 principles and they are things that a person can live by. The principles are in the Swahili language and contribute to building and reinforcing family, community and culture among African Americans. There is a traditionally established way of celebrating Kwanzaa and it is celebrated on December 26 through January 1. "There will be a candlelight ceremony in which 7 children will come up and say a principle and mention a hero of theirs that represents that principle," said Fielder. "Then we will have the parade of kings and queens." Fielder added that this year they are asking everyone to read about one of the pharaohs and they are using the reference of National Geographic's February 2008 issue that tells about the different black pharaohs of Egypt. "I think that it is important because our young people need to know that we came from kings and queens and we can have the same kinds of values that they had," said Felder. "Those values were self- determination, cooperative work and economics." There will be drummers and a dance group for entertainment. The Umoja Group will accept donations for Operation Blessings because there is a need for coats, hats, gloves and nonperishable food items. The items can be dropped off at the Smith Recreation Center. The organization encourages young people to continue their education by awarding a scholarship to a graduating senior from E. E. Smith High School for college. "This is a time for fellowship and getting to know more about our heritage," said Fielder. "We welcome everyone to come out and participate in this celebration." The event is free and open to the public. For more information call 483-6152. Kwanzaa Celebration Slated for Dec. 27 by DR. SHANESSA FENNER Thank you to everyone who helped to make the Ninth Annual Ryan's Reindeer Run a tremendous success! And a special thank you to the Reindeer Run Planning Committee and volunteers. "So do a favor for me, and whatever you're doing today, just go out and RUN, somewhere, anywhere, just RUN because you can." Ryan P. Kishbaugh Proceeds from the run benefit The Ryan P. Kishbaugh Memorial Foundation, Friends of the Cancer Center of CFVHS, Duke Pediatric Bone Marrow Unit, The Child Advocacy Center and other local charities. Rich and Heather Barbaro and Family • Mike and Wanda Bordone Breezewood Healthcare & Aesthetics • Cape Fear Orthopedics Cross Creek Pediatrics • David G. Dickerhoff, DDS Timothy D. Edwards, Attorney at Law Kids First Pediatrics of Raeford and Fayetteville • Lucy and Wes Jones The Melton Family • Systel Business Equipment • Up and Coming Weekly Valley Auto World BMW & Volkswagen • Valley Regional Imaging Thank you to everyone who helped to make the Ninth Annual Ryan's Reindeer Run a tremendous success! • Gold Sponsors • Silver Sponsors Fayetteville Academy • Hematology & Oncology Associates of Fayetteville JEB Designs, Inc. • Joel S. Jenkins, Jr. Attorney/ The Real Estate Law Firm Sandhills Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery • Terry and Jan Smith Bronze Sponsors Bass Air Conditioning Company • BB&T • Callahan and Rice Insurance Group, Inc. Cape Fear Cardiology • Cashwell Appliance Parts, Inc. • Tommy King Jim Kyle-Wells Fargo Advisors • Pam and David Little • Logan's Roadhouse Maggie Maughan • Medical Arts Family Practice, P.A. • Kim Pryzgoda, DDS, PA Ray & Pennink, PLLC • Sammio's Italian Restaurant The Coffee Scene • The Fayetteville Observer The Stewart Clinic, P.A. • Valley Eye Clinic Lisa and Hans Vogel Kwanzaa isn't intended to replace Christmas or other religious holidays, but rather complement them in a season full of ancient traditions and celebration. DR. SHANESSA FENNER, Principal WT Brown Elementary School, Contributing Writer. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomingweekly.com.