The New York Chapter of the National Association of Kawaida Organizations (NAKO) & The International African Arts Festival (IAA Festival) will host a 50th Anniversary of Kwanzaa Celebration with the Creator of Kwanzaa, Dr. Maulana Karenga, who will be giving his Annual Founder’s Message. 2016 Theme: Kwanzaa, The Nguzo Saba and Constant Striving: Repairing, Renewing & Remaking Our World.
DR. MAULANA KARENGA is Professor & Chair of the Department of Africana Studies, CSULB. He is also Chair of the Organization Us & the National Association of Kawaida Organizations (NAKO). He is more widely known as the creator of Kwanzaa, Kawaida & the Nguzo Saba. Dr. Karenga is the author of: Introduction to Black Studies; MAAT: The Moral Ideal in Ancient Egypt and Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture.
Cultural presentations will be offered by the Asase Yaa African Dance & Drum Company, one of Brooklyn and New York’s leading community-based African Diaspora folkloric arts institutions. And vocalist Patsy Grant, a singer’s singer, with Chuck Fowler and High Energy will give a spellbinding performance.
The program will take place on the Kwanzaa principle of Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility) on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 between the hours of 4:30-8:30 PM at JHS 258,141 Macon Street between Marcy and Tompkins Avenues in Brooklyn, New York 11216. Doors will open at 4:30 – 5:30 for Kwanzaa shopping.
The program starts at 5:30; Dr. Karenga’s address will be given from 6:30-7:30. He will be signing his new Kwanzaa book from 6 – 6:30PM. Admission for this event is $12 Advance; $15 at the Door and $10 Senior & Youth under 12. To purchase advance tickets or for further information call 718-789-3264/638-6700 or nakoinfogroup@yahoo.com. Those interested in vending should call 718-479-3264.