Annual Kwanzaa celebration on campus Saturday

The annual Kwanzaa celebration at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5, in the Phoenix Rooms AB of the University Union, 2420 Nicolet Drive.

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.

The program features keynote speaker Assistant Professor of Social Work Tohoro Francis Akakpo, who holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Benin in Togo, West Africa. He also holds two master’s degrees from the University of Michigan and his Ph.D. from Michigan State University.

He has worked not only as an academician, but also with the state of Michigan in the field of child welfare and juvenile justice.

The Green Bay-based Nia African Dancers, and the Youth Gospel Choir of the Divine Temple Church of God in Christ will provide entertainment.

This year’s program will include music, dancing, special guest speakers and food. It is free and open to the public.

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.

There will be a special candle lighting ceremony at 11:45 a.m., followed by Prof. Akakpo’s remarks. Later there will be a time for fellowship.

For additional information contact Multicultural Adviser Shawn Robinson in the UW-Green Bay American Intercultural Center at (920) 465-2720 or robinsos@uwgb.edu.

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