The Cary Arts Center played host the 27th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration, hosted by the Ujima Group on Thursday, December 30th. What an incredible day of art, dance, music and celebration all in the theme for the 2021 event, “Engaging Community through Unity, Service, and Hope.”
“I always like to give back and to help those who are less fortunate. The last 27 years has seemed like two days because we do what we like, and we are making a difference. We’ve also been supported by the Town of Cary by helping us to have this place [Cary Arts Center] to make a difference and do things that are positive and uplift those around us,” said Dr. Lester Thomas, the President and Founder of the Ujima Group.
There is a deep meaning in the name of Dr. Thomas’ organization. Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration that is observed from December 26th to January 1st. Each day has a special theme and meaning, on this day (the 5th day of Kwanzaa) the theme was Nia, which means purpose. Collectively, the seven principles are known as the Nguzo Saba. As for the Ujima Group, their name comes from the third principle of Kwanzaa; Ujima means collective work and responsibility.
The seven principles are:
- Umoja: Unity
- Kujichagulia: Self-Determination
- Ujima: Collective Work and Responsibility
- Ujamaa: Cooperative Economics
- Nia: Purpose
- Kuumba: Creativity
- Imani: Faith
Now, back to the theme of the day, Nia (purpose). Dr. Thomas says the idea is to focus on that daily theme, “there are so many things today distracting us from our real purpose, and we want to be able to have people come together and support each other and to be united. We hope this Kwanzaa celebration will uplift people and give them the power to stay focused on their true purpose and making a difference in their community.”
Here are a few highlights from the event:
To learn more about the Ujima Group, visit their website here.