At the Shrine of the Black Madonna in West End, young people help Jumoke Ifetayo light the Kwanzaa candles for the second of seven days of celebration.
Kwanzaa is started in 1965 by Dr. Maulana Karenga in Chicago. It is celebrated December 26 – January 1.
The foundation of Kwanzaa are the Seven Principles, or Nguzo Saba. When Dr. Karenga created the 
celebration of Kwanzaa he wanted to reflect the best qualities and characteristics of the “first fruit” or harvest festivals that were celebrated throughout Africa. It was these qualities that established the Nguzo Saba, or Seven Principles of Kwanzaa. (Nguzo Saba is Kiswahili for Seven Principles).*
“The children will carry on the traditions of the land. So we must teach them the history”, said the narrator.
These children dance with the rattle instrument, the shekere, as the narrator tells an African story with drums.
Rev. Keith Slaughter (above), a WAOK talk show host is tonight’s speaker. He gives the message entitled, “Stand Your Ground”, in celebration of Day 2, Kujichagulia, self-determination. ‘Stand not to kill people, but to claim what is rightfully ours, what we need…our fair share. Be truthful and put on the full armour of God as you fight for justice in this world. Pray the righteous will be there for us and beware of the haters!’
Rev. Slaughter’s message was powerful, informative, passionate, on point and short! He was definitely on his game!
A packed crowd looks on at the Shrine of the Black Madonna during the 15th Annual Kwanzaa celebration at 960 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.
There will be five more nights of Kwanzaa at the Shrine with speakers including Atlanta City Council President Felicia Moore on Saturday 2pm-6pm, and Rev. Derrick Rice on a Faith Panel on Tuesday, 4pm-8pm. For more information, call (404) 549-8676 or (404) 444-6696.
Also, the Shrine has free Black History classes every Saturday from 1:30pm to 3:30pm. Plan to attend with your family and friends.
*From: http://www.holidays.net/kwanzaa/principles.htm
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