Better Family Life’s Kwanzaa Holiday Expo returns for the 29th year this Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and this Sunday, Noon – 7 p.m. in the newly renovated 60,000 sq. ft. Better Family Life Cultural, Educational and Business Center, 5415 Page Blvd. Donation is $5 in advance and $7 at the door.
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration which had its birth in the United States that honors African heritage in African American culture. Kwanzaa is observed from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a feast and gift-giving. Kwanzaa has seven core principles which are known as the Nguzo Saba. The holiday was first celebrated in December 1966.
The Better Family Life Kwanzaa Holiday Expo is an annual event catering to the individual or business looking to promote or sell their product or service. The Expo is a celebration of the fourth principle of Kwanzaa, Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics: To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together), which celebrates culture, responsible consumerism, and entrepreneurship.
Set up as a modern version of an African village, the Expo features the Kwanzaa House, which provides educational information and activities, and demonstrates ways to celebrate Kwanzaa; the Essences of Earth Salon and Spa, where visitors can get their hair done, a manicure or pedicure; the Kwanzaa Children’s Village, as well as great entertainment and food. The Expo also features a marketplace complete with rare artwork from around the world, apparel, jewelry, accessories, home goods, body care essentials, and more from local and national business owners.
Performances include: Julius Williams, Man of a Thousand Voices; Tribe Azuka, North and West African dance; Ptah Williams Jazz Ensemble; K.Y.P.E, Kuumba Youth Performance Ensemble; Anita Jackson and Jeremiah Allen; and Ayati RaRa, Haitian music and dance.
The creator of Kwanzaa, Dr. Maulana Karenga, will speak at 3 p.m. Saturday, December 13. Karenga’s visit is presented by the new Afrikan Paradigm Study Group. His topic will be “Practicing the Culture of Kwanzaa: Living the Seven Principles.”
“What better way to learn the true meaning of this cultural celebration and how its practice can serve as a model of all humanity and human behavior, than from the creator of Kwanzaa himself,” says Sherri Robins of Better Family Life. “This is truly an opportunity that the St. Louis community should seize.”
For more information, call 314-367-3440, ext. 9199 or visit www.KwanzaaHolidayExpo.com.
