Source: The Journal News
http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061228/NEWS02/612280367/1018/NEWS02
WHITE PLAINS - With thunderous beats from African drums resonating throughout the Thomas H. Slater Center last night, hundreds of residents rang in the second day of Kwanzaa in a colorful ceremony that educated them on the history of the holiday and its significance within the community.
Almost every chair at the center was filled at the celebration, which was sponsored by members of the Community Unitarian Church of White Plains, an interfaith denomination, to help inform the public about the holiday's meaning by teaching people about the traditional African music, customs and beliefs that helped inspire the celebration's roots, said Petra Thombs, an event coordinator and church-goer.
Thombs also said the event was a way to bring together people of all religions and races so everyone could appreciate the holiday and learn more about each other. Her sentiments came true as last night's crowd represented an audience of various cultures and ages.
"Part of what we do is to recognize and celebrate all cultures," Thombs said. "It was important we be, not just on our own, doing a Kwanzaa celebration. We wanted to be with the people of White Plains."
The seven-day observance of Kwanzaa was developed as a way for African-Americans to reaffirm the values of African culture. Kwanzaa, which means "first fruits" in Swahili, focuses on the African principles of Umoja (unity), Kuji-chagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).
It started Tuesday and runs through New Year's Day.