Kwanzaa celebrations go into high gear at the American Museum of Natural History’s Milstein Hall of Ocean Life on Dec. 31.
Beginning at noon, the presentation hosted by Community Works and New Heritage Theater Group features an annual harvest of creative talents whose treasures will be staged on the first floor at 79th St. & Central Park West.
Kwanzaa 2011 is a cultural commemoration that lauds African traditions with daily focus on principles known as the Nguzo Saba.
Highlighting the principle of Kuumba (creativity) performances by The Brooklyn Steppers, Something Positive, ADLIB Steel Band and Restoration Dance Theater this year’s annual will exemplify the tenets that proclaim the African-American celebration a cultural festivity.
The seven principles of Kwanzaa are dedicated to a week’s acknowledgement and thanksgiving, which begins on Dec. 26. They are — Umoja (Unity) Kujichagulia (self determination) Ujima (collective work) Ujima (family) Nia (purpose) Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).
For more info. Log onto www.amnh.org/kwanzaa
Jamaica To Reign @ Royal Ride @ Ascot
Jamaica begins its year-long golden jubilee on New Year’s Day. Boasting plans for an eventful year, the minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Olivia Grange recently announced that there will be a Jamaica Day during the annual royal meeting at the world famous Ascot Racecourse in the United Kingdom.
“There’ll be Jamaica 50 celebration events in many countries — including the United Kingdom. One of the important events in the UK will be Jamaica Day at Royal Ascot,” Grange said.
“There has been racing at Ascot since the early eighteenth century and we are very pleased that you will do us the honor of celebrating Jamaica at the pinnacle of the UK’s racing and social calendar. The 2012 Ladies Day at Royal Ascot will be unlike any other; it will also be Jamaica Day at Royal Ascot — and I really look forward to our day at the races.”
Jamaica Day at Royal Ascot takes place on June 21, 2012 and is earmarked to be part of the global celebration to mark Jamaica’s 50th Anniversary of Independence throughout 2012.
The Royal Meeting at Ascot is the centre piece of the British summer social calendar and has become the quintessential stage for the best horseracing in the world.
In her video message, which was transmitted at the launch of the Jamaica Day at Ascot, Grange said the event would be a fantastic stage to highlight the best of Jamaica.
“Although Jamaica is one of the tiniest countries in the world, it has made a big impact.
“For our fiftieth, we aim to paint the globe in our national colors — the black, green and gold — as we invite the people of the world to celebrate with us.
Happy New Year
Now that Channukah and Christmas are history the focus on a brand new year presents a new opportunity for future resolutions, hopes and dreams. My advice, be practical and realistic when deciding all three.
In 2012, I hope prosperity, good health, happiness and all the goodness life can offer.
To all the readers of this publication I hope extra, extra joy and an abundance of good fortune.
Much gratitude is extended to all who offered support and “big ups.”
To those whose lives were not enhanced by the rigors of 2011, know that better will come in 2012.
With grace, I wish you a happy, happy new year.
Catch You On The Inside!
