The Ralph Ellison Library will host an early Kwanzaa celebration Saturday, Dec. 9, from 1 to 3 p.m. “Usually, Kwanzaa is celebrated December 26 to January 1,” said Ralph Ellison librarian Sharon May. “But we decided this year to hold it earlier, because that week is so busy for everyone.”
Dr. Melanie Bratcher, instructor of African/African American Studies at the University of Oklahoma , will be on hand to relate the story of Kwanzaa. And African dance, spirituals, crafts for children, storytelling and poetry are all planned for the Kwanzaa celebration.
Food is a part of the celebration at the library where a celebratory food table will be laid out. After all Kwanzaa means “first fruits of the harvest” in Swahilli.
But more than food, Kwanzaa celebrates African traditions and heritage, inspiring African-Americans to value their roots and embrace their neighborhoods - a unifying element, another principle of Kwanzaa.
“The community of Ralph Ellison Library and Dr. Bratcher will also have readings of the Nguzo Saba or seven principles of Kwanzaa,” explained May.
The Ralph Ellison Library is located at 2300 N.E. 23. The program is free and open to the public. For more information please call 424-1437.
The Metropolitan Library System of Oklahoma County includes 12 libraries and five extension libraries. Libraries include Belle Isle, Capitol Hill, Ralph Ellison, Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library and Southern Oaks in Oklahoma City, as well as Bethany, Choctaw, Del City, Edmond, Midwest City, Village and Warr Acres. Extensions are located in the communities of Harrah, Jones, Luther and Nicoma Park and include Wright Library in Oklahoma City . You can also reach us at www.metrolibrary.org. |