By ONME News Review
As the COVID-19 pandemic variants are still causing some people anxiety, many non-profits, businesses and organizations are trying to find ways to bounce back despite these challenges.
In fact, this past week, the state of California passed an indoor-mask mandate due to the rise in positive COVID-19 test cases. The future is truly uncertain in the COVID-19 realm.
However, the African American Historical and Cultural Museum (AAHCMSJV) of the San Joaquin Valley intends to hold its seven days of Kwanzaa at its facility, masks required, of course. From Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, the AAHCMSJV will celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa, bringing in various speakers from the community; Kwanzaa, meaning, "first fruits" allows for participants to acknowledge the fruits of their labor or harvest from the past year, also reviewing what needs to be worked on for the upcoming yea
Kwanzaa is a reflective celebration of African-based principles that originated in the United States in 1966 by founder Dr. Maulana Karenga; it is a celebration of community, family and culture, established as a means to help African Americans reconnect with their roots and heritage. The Nguzo Saba, Kwanzaa’s seven principles, include – Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).
The AAHCMSJV will hold the daily week-long events in the museum's main gallery, located at 1857 Fulton St., Fresno, CA 93721. Children are welcome, as there are also separate activities for them on some of the days.
Here is the speaker line-up followed by community discussion:
Sunday, December 26 Umoja (Unity) 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Speaker: Board Representatives
Monday, December 27 Kujichgulia (Self-determination) 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Speaker: Chris Finley, Educator
Tuesday, December 28 Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Speaker: Golden Westside Planning Committee, Debbie Darden
Wednesday, December 29 Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Speaker: Realtist of Fresno County Rep., Mitchell Shaw
Thursday, December 30 Nia (Purpose) 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Speaker: The Honorable Kimberly Tapscott Munson
Friday, December 31 Kuumba (Creativity) 12:00 p.m. p.m.-2:00 p.m. Open Mic Night hosted by Jamila Finley & Break Box Collective
Saturday, January 1 Imani (Faith) 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Speaker: Community Voices
On Kuumba day, Friday, Dec. 31 (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM), the community celebrates with food and a community open mic hosted by BreakBox Thought Collective by Jamillah Finley. The AAHCMSJV also welcomes non-food vendors on this day only for a small donation. Go to the AAHCMSJV website for more information.