Long Beach Health Department Hosts Third Annual Kwanzaa Experience Event
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~ Long Beach, CA- The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is teaming up with the April Parker Foundation and other Black-serving organizations to host The Kwanzaa Experience on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Doris Topsy Elvord Community Center at Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave.) and will celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

The annual celebration aims to highlight the principles of unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith that are central to Kwanzaa. It also emphasizes the importance of social capital in the Black community by engaging youth and fostering social connections.

Mayor Rex Richardson expressed his excitement for the event, stating that it is a testament to Long Beach's commitment to celebrating its diverse culture. He believes that The Kwanzaa Experience is an opportunity for the city to come together and support each other's well-being.

The event is designed for families and community members of all ages and promises a vibrant lineup of activities. Attendees can look forward to handmade crafts and gifts, hands-on drum circles, live music by Carillo High School Student Body President Frank Osborne (DJ Sonny), early childhood education activities and snacks. Additionally, there will be scholarship information sessions presented by the United Negro College Fund, a black author book drive, and a Black Health Equity resource fair.

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The event will kick off with a welcome ceremony featuring remarks from City officials and local representatives such as Ninth District Councilmember Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie and administrators from Long Beach Unified School District's Black Student Achievement Initiative.

Moreover, the Health Department will share preliminary findings from the City's first-ever Black Community Health Strengths and Needs Assessment during The Kwanzaa Experience.

Ninth District Councilmember Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie expressed her pride in being a part of the event, stating that it serves as a celebration of cultural tradition while promoting health and wellness within the community. She invites all members of the community to come together for this significant and uplifting event.

The Kwanzaa Experience is made possible by the support of various Black-serving organizations, including the presenting sponsor, the April Parker Foundation. Other sponsors include Agape Children's Museum and Long Beach Unified School District's Black Student Achievement Initiative.

Executive Director of the April Parker Foundation, April Parker, expressed her honor in being the presenting sponsor for The Kwanzaa Experience. She believes that this partnership is rooted in intentionality as they embrace the values of unity, self-determination, and collective work that Kwanzaa represents. Parker also stated that they are thrilled to contribute to this year's celebration and ensure that Kwanzaa remains a vibrant, unifying, and meaningful experience for all.

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Kwanzaa is an annual celebration observed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 and was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Chair of the Africana Studies Department at California State University, Long Beach. It was first celebrated in Long Beach in 1966 as part of the Black resistance movement and has since grown into a nationwide tradition.

The Kwanzaa Experience promises to be a day filled with cultural celebration, community building, and promoting health and wellness within the Black community. All are welcome to attend this free event and join in on honoring this cherished tradition.

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