About 20 children of the Kwanzaa Club, organized under the auspices of the UBAD Educational Foundation (UEF), delivered a stunning presentation on Sunday evening on the Kremandala compound.
The children have been meeting for several months and practicing the seven principles of Kwanzaa, cultural dances, Belizean proverbs, and speaking parts where they took on the personas of celebrated men and women who have contributed positively to our society.
Their presentations honored persons like Cleopatra White – founder of the Black Cross Nurses; Hon. Philip Goldson – deceased Black leader and activist; Samuel Haynes – the original author of the Belizean National Anthem; Rita Lewis – the first woman to be crowned the Queen of the Bay; Evan X Hyde – Black revolutionary, co-founder of the United Black Association for Development (UBAD) and publisher of Amandala.
The children also presented the seven principles of Kwanzaa: Umoja (oo-MOE-jah) –Unity; Kujichagulia (koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-ah): Self Determination; Ujima (oo-JEE-mah): Collective Work & Responsibility; Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah): Cooperative Economics; Nia (nee-AH): Purpose; Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah): Creativity; and Imani (ee-MAH-nee): Faith.
The finale was a medley of Kriol folk songs.
Emcee for the occasion was Ms. Michelle Jacobs, librarian of the Library of African and Indian Studies. Miss Birdie Francis and Sister Virgina Echols were the lead coordinators.
Chairperson of UEF, Yaya Marin-Coleman, not only helped to prepare the children for the presentation, but also participated in one of the dance presentations.
X Hyde was present to witness the occasion.
Other children from the community, relatives and friends, including former Miss Y – Mrs. Catherine Flowers, shared in the fun.