By Ruth Ann Ruiz
The Post Newspaper Features Editor
Byron was one of several vendors at Galveston’s annual Kwanzaa celebration. He brings with him a collection of African art that can be worn or displayed on a wall.
Joining him were several other vendors, including students from The Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School, who offered numerous books for purchase. According to the Education page of the website for the island’s Nia Cultural Center, the school “is a six-week, full-day program for students in grades K-12 that seeks to build strong, literate, and empowered children prepared to make a difference in themselves, their families, communities, the nation, and the world.”
Having Black vendors at the community celebration of Kwanzaa is part of the celebration of the third principle of Kwanzaa, which is “Ujima.”
Kwanzaa is a seven-day celebration observed from Dec. 26-Jan. 1. Each day honors one of the following seven principles:
Day 1: “Umoja,” meaning “unity”
Day 2: “Kujichagulia,” meaning “self-determination”
Day 3: “Ujima,” meaning “collective work and responsibility”
Day 4: “Ujamaa,” meaning “cooperative economics”
Day 5: “Nia,” meaning “purpose”
Day 6: “Kuumba,” meaning “creativity”
Day 7: “Imani,” meaning “faith”
