West Virginia University’s Center for Black Culture and Research (CBC&R) is hosting a Kwanzaa celebration at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, in the Mountainlair Rhododendron Room.

The celebration will feature Dr. Jacqueline Wade, an educational consultant, who will be speaking about”Kwanzaa and the Advancement of Social Justice Leadership.” WVU students, faculty, staff and members of the greater Morgantown community are welcome to attend the presentation, with a reception to follow at the CBC &R.

A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Wade has a Ph.D. in education and a master of social work degree. She is widely known for her expertise in black/Africana studies curriculum and multicultural education.

“Dr. Wade is recognized nationally as a leader in multicultural and diversity training,”said CBC &R Director Katherine Bankole.”She motivates students with an engaging and accessible style, and challenges them to access knowledge, opportunities and resources for the betterment of humankind. We are fortunate to have Dr. Wade share a her special vision of Kwanzaa 2003 that emphasizes the development of student leadership.”

Kwanzaa, a nonreligious African-American holiday, is traditionally celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Each day, one candle is lit to represent one of seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.

Maulana Karenga, an African-American scholar and activist, developed Kwanzaa during the civil rights movement to reconnect African-Americans with their roots. Kwanzaa was first observed in 1966 and is now celebrated by more than 20 million people in the United States, Canada, Britain, the Caribbean and Africa.

For more information, call the CBC &R at 304-293-7029 or visit their Web site athttp://www.wvu.edu/~cbcr/home.html.