The West Virginia University Center for Black Culture and Research and the WVU School of Music are sponsoring a Kwanzaa celebration Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. in the Mountainlair Ballrooms.

Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, friends and community, focusing on the seven principles of unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. WVU’s Kwanzaa celebration, officiated by poet Mwatabu S. Okantah, will include dinner and a performance by the Cavani String Quartet.

“Each year, we at The Center for Black Culture and Research look forward to our annual Kwanzaa event,” said Marjorie Fuller, director of The Center for Black Culture and Research.

This American holiday created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966 is an opportunity to celebrate family, community and culture. In Kwanzaa, people of all races and from all walks of life can embrace its essence, which revolves around the seven principles of the Nguzo Saba.

Although the official holiday is celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, the center celebrates it the first week in December to allow the entire WVU community the opportunity to participate before winter break.

“This year, we are particularly happy to welcome the poet Mwatabu Okantah, who officiates our ceremony, and our very special guests, The Cavani String Quartet,” she said. “We would also like to acknowledge and thank the WVU music school for their support and co-sponsorship.”

The Center for Black Culture and Research will also be sponsoring a performance by the Paul Robeson Mahalia Jackson Gospel Choir, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. in the Gluck Theatre of the Mountainlair.

The choir was established in February 1992 during Black History Month and stems from the WVU Center for Black Culture and Research. The choir is named after two extraordinary African American gospel singers: Paul Robeson and Mahalia Jackson, both known for their fierce dignity and ability to strive against immense adversity.

“This is my last year as music director for the choir. This performance is special to me because my family will come in to see it,” said Ellis Ashton Lambert, musical director of the choir. “We have been rehearsing for months. Many of the musicians don’t live in town. A lot of work has gone into preparing for this performance.”

Both events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Center for Black Culture and Research at (304) 293-7029 or visit their website at http://cbc.wvu.edu/

-WVU-

cg/12/3/2012

CONTACT: Marjorie Fuller, director, Center for Black Culture and Research
304-293-7029, Marjorie.Fuller@mail.wvu.edu

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