The Missouri Botanical Garden will celebrate the contemporary African-American holiday of “Kwanzaa: Festival of the First Fruits” from noon to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 29
Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday that derives its name from the Swahili term matunda ya kwanza, meaning “fruits of the harvest.” The annual event honors African traditions and history, with storytelling and music to celebrate the harvest feast before the dry season. A table of fruits, vegetables and grains will be displayed.
Kwanzaa is traditionally celebrated for seven days, each dedicated to a guiding principle: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
A ceremony at noon and 3 p.m. will explain the holiday’s origins as one symbolic candle on the kinara is lit for each principle. Following each ceremony, Janice “Mama” Katambwa will tell stories of Africa using costumes and percussion.
Renata’s African Influences, Ajanaku Jewelry and Mama Katambwa’s Boutique will offer Kwanzaa crafts and jewelry for purchase. The Garden Gate Shop also offers an assortment of African-made crafts and music CDs.
“Kwanzaa: Festival of the First Fruits,” is included with Garden admission of $8; St. Louis City and County residents enjoy discounted admission of $4 and free admission on Wednesday and Saturday mornings until noon. Children ages 12 and under and Garden members are free.
The Missouri Botanical Garden is located at 4344 Shaw Blvd. in South St. Louis, accessible from Interstate 44 at the Vandeventer exit and from Interstate 64 at the Kingshighway North & South exit. Free parking is available on-site and two blocks west at the corner of Shaw and Vandeventer.
For general information, visit www.mobot.org or call (314) 577 5100 (toll-free, 1-800-642-8842).
112th Church Anniversary
Galilee Baptist Church will host its 112th Church Anniversary led by the Rev. Dr. Carlton Ray Calswelll, pastor, at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, November 28. The church is located at 430 Delmar in St. Louis. The guest speaker is the Rev. Dr. E. G. Shields Sr, pastor of Mt. Beaulah Baptist Church.
Financial Workshop
Barak Christian Church will host a Financial Workshop hosted by LaShonda N. Bassett from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday Dec. 4. Learn how to find a job, repair your credit, and budget your finances. The church is located at 7370 N. Hanley Rd. in Hazelwood. Call (314) 521-4423.
EXMAD event
Manasseh Ministry will presents EXMAD 4th annual event featuring Rick Freeway Ross, a moment with comedian Michael Coylar and a pause with recording artist My sOLo. Live jazz band, food and awards.
The event will be held at New Northside Family Center, 5939 Goodfellow, from 6:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday, December 4. Call 314-732-7340 for ticket info. A portion of proceeds will go towards the Steven Middle Alternative Education School for youth needs not operating cost. The host is Pastor Richard Jackson.
Advent Vespers
A service of Advent Vespers will take place on Sunday, December 5 at 4 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, 4501 Westminster Place in St. Louis. The service includes readings, anthems, and hymns for the Advent season, and features SLSO violinist Charlene Clark. For further information, call 314-367-0366. The Vespers is free and open to the public.
