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Kwanzaa Celebration 2019

UFT members and guests celebrated the African American holiday of Kwanzaa at the union’s Brooklyn borough office on Dec. 19. Kwanzaa — a non-denominational celebration that lasts for a week, from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 — combines customs from several cultures and enables African Americans to connect with and honor their heritage and culture.
Kwanzaa 2019
Charlayne Williams, a special education teacher at PS 370 in Brooklyn, makes a presentation about the Kwanzaa principle Nia, the Swahili word for purpose. Each of the seven days of the celebration focuses on one of seven core values.
Bruce Cotler
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Kwanzaa 2019
Charlayne Williams, a special education teacher at PS 370 in Brooklyn, makes a presentation about the Kwanzaa principle Nia, the Swahili word for purpose. Each of the seven days of the celebration focuses on one of seven core values.
Bruce Cotler
A woman speaking in front of an audience
Teacher Wendy Walker Wilson, the chair of the UFT’s African Heritage committee, discusses cooperative economics, another of the principles that help build and reinforce community each day.
Bruce Cotler
Kwanzaa 2019
Mashantuck Bell, a para at IS 364 in Brooklyn, discusses the principle of collective work and responsibility. Each day of the celebration one candle is lit on the kinara or candleholder.
Bruce Cotler
Kwanzaa 2019
UFT District 16 Representative Camille Eaddy, a teacher at PS 81 in Brooklyn, talks about the principle of unity. Additional principles are self-determination, creativity and faith.
Bruce Cotler
Members pose for photo
Members from IS 364 in Brooklyn — (from left) Kiki Caplan, Mashantuck Bell, Valerie Lee and Gabriel Caplan — are ready to make some music and celebrate.
Bruce Cotler