University to Host Kwanzaa Dinner

November 22, 2011

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – On Thursday, Dec. 1, the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will host a dinner celebrating Kwanzaa. The event, which is free and open to Illinois Wesleyan students, faculty and staff, will be held at 6 p.m. in the Davidson Room of the Memorial Center (104 University St., Bloomington). No reservations are required.

Kwanzaa is an African-American and Pan-African holiday celebrated from December 26 to January 1. With origins in the first harvest celebrations of Africa, the name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase “matunda ya kanza,” which means “first fruits” in Swahili, the most widely spoken African language.

Kwanzaa celebrates family, community and culture through what are called “The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa” or “Nguzo Saba.” These principles are: umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity) and imani (faith).

For additional information, contact the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs at (309) 556-3412.

Contact: Kristin Fields, ’12, (309) 556-3181, univcomm@iwu.edu