Portland Kwanzaa Celebrations Start Saturday

Kwanzaa, the traditional African American holiday centered around seven core values (one for each day of the festival), begins Saturday and continues through Jan. 1. This year Portland residents have the opportunity to attend several Kwanzaa events hosted at various locations around the city.

Dec. 26 - Umoja – Unity

The International Center of Traditional Childbearing and the African American Breastfeeding Coalition of Oregon will hold a celebration from 2 to 5 p.m. at Charles Jordan Community Center, 9009 N. Foss Ave.

 Later in the day, there will be a traditional Kwanzaa celebration featuring Okropong. The event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at Matt Dishman Community Center, 77 NE Knott St. For more information, call (503) 288-8429.

Dec. 27 – Kujichagulia – Self-determination

The North Portland Library will host an event from 2 to 3 p.m. at 512 N. Killingsworth St.

Dec. 29 – Ujamaa – Cooperative economics

The REAL Program (Recovery, Empowerment, Achievement in Life) will hold an event from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Umoja Center, 4941 NE 17th Ave.

Dec. 30 – NIA – Purpose

Diverse and Empowered Employees of Portland will hold an event from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on the first floor of Portland City Hall.

Dec. 31 – Kuumba – Creativity 

Celebrate with a Karamu (feast).

Jan. 1 – Imani – Faith

Spend the day reflecting on the good and planning on strengthening the bonds of family, community and culture.