Commemorate Kwanzaa in New York City

Kwanzaa, a seven day annual celebration of life based on the positive principles of African culture, runs from December 26, 2006 to January 1, 2007. On Saturday, December 30^th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., New Yorkers and tourists can celebrate this festival at the American Museum of Natural History in association with Community Works and New Heritage Theatre Group.

Highlights of the celebration include traditional African dance, spoken word, drumming, live gospel music, a marketplace and African mask making and puppetry workshops for children and young adults. This feast will also include performances by Harlem's Repertory Theatre; Tsidii Le Loka, Tony-nominated and Drama Desk awardee for The Lion King on Broadway; Tony and Emmy winner Lillias White; and Ed Babb and his electrifying band, McCullough Invaders.

At noon, the first of the seven principles, Umoja (unity), will be observed with a riveting celebration of African-American pride featuring over 100 African and African-American artists of all ages. Opening words encouraging self-acceptance and community consciousness will be offered by host James Stovall, bringing Kujichagulia, the second principle of Kwanzaa, to light.

Also, the principle of Kuumba (creativity) will be highlighted through a presentation by Abada-Capoeira NYC. This Washington Heights program teaches and educates youth in the art of capoeira, a 500-year-old martial arts form fused with dance developed by Africans in Brazil. Next, The Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble, one of the largest professional African dance and drum ensembles in the United States, will perform to signify Nia (Purpose). Finally, at 3:30 p.m., Stovall will lead an Imani-Faith Concert honoring this seventh and final Kwanzaa principle.