Kwanzaa Celebration Saturday

For the past three decades, many African-American families have celebrated Kwanzaa, a holiday that commemorates their culture and heritage.

In Spokane, the celebration takes place 2 p.m. Saturday at the East Central Community Center.

The free event will include drumming, poetry reading and a Karamu or feast.

Kwanzaa, which means “first fruits,” has seven principles: Umoja or unity; Kujichagulia or self-determination; Ujima or collective work and responsibility; Ujamaa or cooperative economics; Nia or purpose; Kuumba or creativity; and Imani or faith.

“This is a time when African-American families get together to celebrate who they are and the things they have done,” said Earnestine Hughley, chairwoman of the Umoja Steering Committee. “This is a time when they remember those people who have made life better for African-Americans.

“This is a time when African-Americans promise to work together for better lives in the future.”

, DataTimes