Kwanzaa celebrates heritage

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Wednesday, December 30, 1998 3:00 AM CST

BY WENDY PARKS Journal Times

RACINE Pierie Martin said he wanted to learn more about his culture and have fun at the same time.

His goal was accomplished at the George Bray Neighborhood Center's annual Kwanzaa celebration Tuesday. Arts and crafts, African food samples and folklore were a part of the African-American holiday.

It begins on Dec. 26 and runs for seven days until Jan. 1 The nonreligious holiday takes a close look at the worldwide contributions of African-American people.

Each day highlights a Swahili theme.

m Principal No. 1 is Umoja, which stands for unity.

m Principal No. 2 is Kujichaugulia and stands for self-determination.

m Principal No. 3 is Ujima or collective work and responsibility.

m Principal No. 4 is Ujamaa, which means cooperative economics.

m Principal No. 5 is Nia or purpose.

m Principal No. 6 is Kuumba and stands for creativity.

m Principal No. 7 is Imani, which means faith.

``I'm making a kufi hat, and I'm helping little kids and helping them stay out of trouble," Pierie said. ``I learned that Kwanzaa is about Africa."

The 10-year-old said the Bray Center is a great place to meet new friends and hang out with cool adults.

``I come down here almost every day," he said. ``I play basketball and sometimes I go upstairs and study and do my homework."

Adrian Sanders, 8, said he wouldn't miss an opportunity to enhance his talent for art and didn't mind experimenting with making a Kwanzaa headpiece.

``This looks fun to do," he said. ``They're helpful here because they have the celebrations and stuff."

Jameel Ghuari, executive director of the center, said Kwanzaa isn't limited to the black community.

``The celebration is about our humanity," he said. ``With this unity, that makes this even more special. Olympia Brown Unitarian Church volunteers every year.

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