WINTER 2008

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

The Philadelphia Department of Human Services, Division of Community Based Prevention Services and SCOP Advisory Board will present “An African American Cultural Celebration, Kwanzaa ” at the Parkway Central Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street on December 29, 30 and 31st from 12 noon to 3 pm. The three days will include over 15 different entertainment performances based upon the cultural theme. Lunch and a Kwanzaa gift will be provided for each child who attends on first come first serve basis. Reservations are recommended for groups of 7 or more. For more information contact Terri Way at 215-683-4076 or Michael Rice at 215-683-4027

SUPPORTING COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM

The Seven Principles

Of Kwanzaa

1. Umoja (Unity)

2. Kujichagulia (Self Determination

3. Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)

4. Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)

5. Nia (Purpose)

6. Kuumba (Creativity)

Universal Creative Arts, Dance & Drum Ensemble

Editorial Board

KWANZAA 2010 Michael RiceEditor

Don “TigerEye” TerryPhotography

Terri WayAssistant Editor

Please submit your articles, comments and photos to Michael.rice@phila.gov

ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE FOR KWANZAA 2008

Each day will begin with an introduction of Kwanzaa symbols, principles, practices and candle lighting ceremony by the Kwanzaa Cooperative

December 29, 2008 Robert Johnson – VocalistMianjeni Puppet TheaterMomma Sandi – Story TellerNaomi Esler – VocalistUniversal Creative Arts, Dance & Drum Ensemble

December 30, 2008Candance Benson – VocalistResurrection Bad Boys – Hip Hop DanceRan’D Shine – Master MagicianDrew Deckah, Spoken Word MusicianStuart Sisters – Drama, A Brand New Day

December 31, 2008Shani & Company – VocalistTwin Poets – Spoken WordJuTaun – R&B Musician PerformanceOmega – Spoken WordUniversal Creative Arts, Dance & Drum Ensemble

DHS WELCOMES OUR NEW DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF COMMUNITY BASED PREVENTION SERVICES

Deszeree Thomasx

Taking the reigns of one of the most dynamic divisions with the Department of Human Services, Ms Figueroa will be the motivating force directing the deployment of staff and resources within the communities of Philadelphia. She will manage a force of veteran social workers specifically chosen for their knowledge, skills and abilities to establish constructive and productive relationships, identify and distribute resources and proactively to meet the goals of Department of Human Services.

Ms Figueroa’s diverse background includes being the former Executive Director of Women Against Abuse, and a board member for Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania. In addition,

FEATURED KWANZAA PERFORMERS

JU-TAUN, R&B PERFORMERS

THE TWIN POETS, SPOKEN WORD DUO

Spoken Word Musician, Drew Deckah and Philly songtress, Naomie Esler.

Community Based Prevention Services Kwanzaa 2008A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

The Kwanzaa Principles Are Universal Principles

By Michael Rice

The African American Cultural Celebration of Kwanzaa was founded by Dr. Mulana Karenga in 1966. Dr. Karenga, a Temple University professor, created the holiday to express the true meaning of what it is to be African American. The holiday draws from the cultures of various African peoples and is celebrated by millions of Africans throughout the world African community. It stresses values, family, community and culture. The celebration was developed during a time in American history when the civic rights movement was in full effect. While there were many reasons for its conception, the primary reasons were it was a way of creating an annual celebration to reaffirm the common identity, purpose and direction for African American people and to introduce the principles of Nguzo Saba. The amazing thing about Kwanzaa is that today the principles are now essential to all people. As we face the worse economic downturn in American history, global terrorism, inner city violence and family fragmentation, we all must embrace the first principle of UMOJA (Unity). If we are to survive these ordeals we must unite. However, as our new African American president-elect, Barack Obama has stated, each person must make an individual decision to make that change happen. This brings us to the next principle of Kujichagulia (Self Determination). We will have to take actions as individuals in order to unite. But it will take Ujima (Collective work and responsibility) i.e, people working together for a common cause. As we work together we will create UJAMAA (Cooperative Economics). This new economy will be based upon a contribution by all and for the benefit of all. But in order to get there, we must first have NIA (Purpose) combined with Kuumba (Creativity). The utilization of these two principles will create a new future for us as a people. The last principle, I believe is the most important and that is IMANI (Faith). Faith is belief in the unseen backed by action, persistence, dedication and determination. Faith is the ace card in the deck of life. It lights the fire of the spirit and energizes all the other principles.

While these principles are written inn Swahili, they are universal principles of people who believe in a higher power and people who believe in each other. So whether you are African, African American or just consider yourself American, share, teach and practice these universal principles with others regardless of their

Mianjeni Puppet Theater will tell a fascinating story at the Kwanzaa event.

Prevention staff members, Diane Jones, Michael Reid and Phyllis Williams display their Afrocentric identities.

The roots of the African culture are in the drums