Real Times Media

Today – Dec. 28 – is the third day of Kwanzaa (or Kwaanza), which acknowledges, honors and salutes African-American heritage.

The seven-day cultural celebration is anchored by the seven principles of the Nguzo Saba, with a focus on a different principle each day. For 30-plus years, Memphis-area observances were spearheaded by the late Adjua Naantaanbuu, who encouraged celebrants to live out the Nguzo Saba everyday.

Today's principle is:

UJIMA (Collective Work & Responsibility)

Here is the remaining schedule of events

Memphis Kwanzaa International, Inc.

Dr. Kaia Naantaanbuu, President

DAY 3:

UJIMA (Collective Work & Responsibility)

Friday, Dec. 28

6 p.m.-until, Memphis Kwanzaa Center, 1549 Elvis Presley Blvd.,

Keynote speaker: Dr. Noel G. L. Hutchinson Jr.. pastor of First Baptist Lauderdale and host of the TV show "BLACK Thought."

DAY 4:

UJAMAA (Cooperative Economics)

Saturday, Dec. 29

6 p.m.-until, Memphis Kwanzaa Center, 1549 Elvis Presley Blvd.,

Community speakers will commemorate, honor and install "Queen" Adjua Naantaanbuu, founder of Memphis Kwanzaa International (founded 36 years ago), into Memphis: The Community of Legends.

Tickets, $30, with a full dinner served.

DAY 5:

NIA (Purpose)

Sunday, Dec. 30

4 p.m.-7:30 p.m., The Dr. Martin Luther King Labor Center, 485 Beale St.

Keynote speaker: Dr Jeffrey Ryan Futrell from North Side High School will talk on "What is our purpose: Guns and Gods in a World Gone Mad."

DAY 6:

KUUMBA (Creativity)

Monday, Dec. 31

9 a.m.- 3:30 p.m., West Tennessee State Penitentiary, 480 Green Chapel Rd., Henning, Tenn.

Keynote speaker: Dr Eddie Yancey, University Of Memphis; topic: "Creating a Positive Self in a Negative World."

DAY 7:

IMANI (Faith)

Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013

3 p.m.-5:30 p.m., Memphis Kwanzaa Center, 1549 Elvis Presley Blvd.

Keynote speaker: World's Redeemer Pastor Jerry L. Ivery Sr., who will be the "King" for the day, will speak on this topic: "What Happened to the People of Faith?"

NOTES:

* For more information, call 901-239-1555 or 901-210-1218.

* Most nights include free refreshment.

Mid-South Kwanzaa, Inc.

Ayanna Ruby Payne, President

DAY 3:

UJIMA (Collective Work & Responsibility)

Friday, Dec. 28

5 p.m., Brown Missionary Baptist Church, 980 Stateline Road E..

Sponsored by Dr. Bobbie Shaw.

7 p.m., Exum Towers, 3155 Sharpe Ave.

Sponsored by Reuben and Lula Barnes

(Ujima was observed at 10:30 a.m. at Orange Mound Senior Service Center, 2590 Park Ave. The celebration was sponsored by Carolyn Crawford and Frances Barnes.)

DAY 4:

UJAMAA (Cooperative Economics)

Saturday, Dec. 29

2 p.m., Slavehaven, 826 N. 2nd St.

Sponsored by Heritage Tours

5 p.m., Economic Summit, The LeMoyne-Owen College, Student Lounge,

807 Walker Ave.

Sponsored by Ayodele Kofie.

DAY 5:

NIA (Purpose)

Sunday, Dec. 30

3 p.m., Kwanzaa Pageant Vendors Market; 4:30 p.m., Kwanzaa Pageant, Southwest Tennessee Community College auditorium, 737 Union Ave.

Tickets: $5 in advance; $7, door.

Sponsored by RBG Productions.

7 p.m., Lester Community Center, 317 Tillman St.

Sponsored by Osupa Williams, Frances Barnes and the Tillman-Binghampton CDC.

DAY 6:

KUUMBA (Creativity)

Monday, Dec. 31

7 p.m., Java, Juice, & Jazz Restaurant, 1423 Elvis Presley Blvd.

Sponsored by Johari Brittenum

DAY 7:

IMANI (Faith)

Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013

4 p.m., University of Memphis Panhellenic Bldg.

Sponsored by the African and African American Studies Department and Shelby County Commissioner Henri Brooks.

HONOREES

Umoja (Unity): Reginald Porter; Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): Rev. Dr. Eric Boyland; Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility): Joyce Parkinson; Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): Dr. Carnita Atwater; Nia (Purpose): Dr. Jeffery Ryan Futrell; Kuumba (Creativity): Dr. Helen Harper; Imani (Faith): Pastor Clarence Kelby Heath; Family of the Year: Elliott and Tracey Barnes & Family.