Kwanzaa celebration set for Dec. 13 at UW-Green Bay

GREEN BAY — The annual Kwanzaa celebration at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is right around the corner.

The Kwanzaa celebration takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13, in the Phoenix Room of the University Union, 2420 Nicolet Drive.

The program features keynote speaker Prof. Alfred Kisubi from UW-Oshkosh, UW-Green Bay student speakers Amanda Hibbler and Kendra Willis, and entertainment by the Green Bay-based Nia African Dancers.

Kwanzaa is an African-American celebration based on the tradition of the African harvest festival. The celebration brings together the traditional African values of family, community responsibility, commerce and self-improvement.

This year’s program will include music, dancing, special guest speakers and food.

Prof. Kisubi, who teaches education and human services at UW-Oshkosh, is a native of Uganda. He founded and runs a study-abroad seminar about Africa’s globalization in politics, human service, health, gender and development.

Kisubi will speak about his native country and why the harvest celebration of Kwanzaa is an important event.

Nia dancers will provide entertainment at this year’s Kwanzaa celebration. “Nia” means to dance with a purpose. Nia combines martial arts, dance and spiritual self-healing.

The celebration will also include remarks by student speakers Amanda Hibbler and Kendra Willis. There will be a lighting ceremony at noon and time for fellowship following the ceremony.

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