On Wednesday, December 26, we celebrated the first principle of Kwanzaa – Umoja (Unity).Professor and attorney Adjoa Aiyetoro (pictured left) imparted her wise words and we were inspired and entertained by the theatrical group Kinfolks (pictured below).

Author Kareem Moody (pictured right)
joined us Thursday, December 27 to observe Kujichagulia (Self-Determination). Moody, author of Raise Them up: The Real Deal on Reaching Unreachable Kids, spoke to the audience about empowering our youth. His words were reaffirmed with a selection by flutist, Auna Hearne.(pictured below)
 

The third principle – Ujima (Collective Works & Responsibility) was illuminated by Sandra Brown, RNP. (pictured left, center) Her straightforward and powerful presentation on sexual integrity stressed personal accountability to others and ourselves. Aja Nia Hearne (pictured below) blessed ceremony attendees with two classical violin selections.
In the spirit of Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Carmen Parks (pictured below) from the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce gave an informative session on recycling black dollars. Several local entrepreneurs were invited to talk about their enterprise and network with attendees. Visual artist and Little Rock native, Larry Hampton shared his experiences about creating art, living far from home, and salsa dancing. On Sunday, December 30, we gathered at the gallery at 2:00 p.m. to celebrate Nia (Purpose). Dr. Akasha Hull, author of Soul Talk: The New Spirituality of African-American Women, conveyed her thoughts on the principle.

Her words were complemented by the prolific poetry of Lynette, A.P.O.L.L.O., Jimmy Cheffin, Osyrus, and Grasshopper.
(all pictured below)

The creativity continued to flow on Monday, December 31 as we observed the sixth principle of Kwanzaa, Kuumba (Creativity). Poet, musician, and arts enthusiast, joshua., (pictured below with percussionist Rico Zargosa) dialogued with attendees about his creative process and encouraged us to explore our own ingenuity.We celebrated the last day of Kwanzaa and the first day of New Year with Imani (Faith). Mrs. Sandra McFadden (pictured below)  gave us a poignant presentation on her faith-driven journey to survival of breast cancer. Authors- Annette Foley, Ruthie Garrison, Dr. Anthony Hobbs, Dr. Akasha Hull, and Kareem Moody (pictured below, respectively) were on hand to discuss and sign their books.
     On the last day of Kwanzaa, it is customary to have a celebratory feast, the karamu. Culinary specialist, Treopia Bryant (pictured below, at left) explained the menu and the importance of the meal.