CONTACT:
Raymond Ward
(773) 947-0600 ext. 228
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Celebrate KWANZAA with DuSable Museum Programs and Exhibit
December, 10, 2007 through January 6, 2008
Chicago, IL. (10 December 2007)—- All of Chicagoland is invited to participate in the celebration of KWANZAA at the DuSable Museum of African American History, beginning December 10, 2007 through January 6, 2008. All events and programs will take place at the Museum, located at 740 East 56th Place (57th Street and South Cottage Grove Avenue) in Chicago.
On Monday, December 10, 2007, “KWANZAA: THE EXHIBIT” opens. This annual exhibiton chronicles and highlights the history of the African American holiday Kwanzaa and is the most comprehensive of its type in Chicago. Visitors will learn about the history of Kwanzaa, it’s founder and the details of the seven principals guiding the daily rituals. The exhibit features items from the Museum’s collection including African and African American textiles and archival material.
Kwanzaa is a spiritual celebration that is observed each year from December 26th through January 1st. Kwanzaa was founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of African-American Studies and leader of a Pan-African organization in California.
The word Kwanzaa is derived from a Kiswahili phrase, matunda ya kwanza, which means “first fruits of the harvest.” Kwanzaa is based upon seven principles: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith). These seven principles are collectively referred to as the Nguzo Saba, and are intended to serve as guideposts for meditation and daily living.
The Kwanzaa Celebration continues on Wednesday and Thursday, December 26th and 27th, with the Coca-Cola Children’s Penny Cinema Series. On Wednesday, December 26th see the film “Merry Christmas, Little Bill” and on Thursday, December 27th, see the films “Seven Candles for Kwanzaa,” and “Rugrats: Kwanzaa.” These films are appropriate for all ages and each child who attends will also receive a free book after the film’s screening. Admission is only ONE PENNY per child and all adults MUST BE accompanied by a child to attend. Please call 773-947-0600 ext 225 for more information.
Also on Thursday, December 27, 2007, the Museum will host it’s annual Kwanzaa Karamu. Family members are invited to spend an evening learning all about Kwanzaa and the traditional “Watch Night Service,” listening to a performance featuring Steve Cobb & Chavunduka, who have shared their vision and musical insight by developing and implementing cultural programs and become known as the “Musical Ambassadors of Kwanzaa,” and then enjoying a delicious Kwanzaa Feast.
Admission to the Kwanzaa Karamu is $12 General Admission/$10 for DSM Members/ and $8 for children ages 12 and under. Reservations are required. Call 773-947-0600 ext 225 for reservations and more information.
In addition, to “KWANZAA: THE EXHIBIT,” the DuSable Museum Trading Post (The Museum Store) has a wide variety of holiday gift items. Books, greeting cards, calendars, toys, jewelry, videos, compact discs, special musical instruments from Africa, and of course, Kwanzaa Kinara sets are available.
“KWANZAA: THE EXHIBIT” is made possible in part by the Illinois Humanities Council, Chicago Park District, Coca-Cola, the Illinois Arts Council, the DuSable Museum Women’s Board, Clear Channel Radio and United Airlines. For more information please call (773) 947-0600 or you may visit our website at http://www.dusablemuseum.org.
The DuSable Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM and Sunday from 12:00 NOON until 5:00 PM. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for students and senior citizens, $1 for children ages 6 through 12 and children under the age of 6 are free. Sundays are FREE to all. The Museum may be reached by CTA buses # 3, # 4 and # 55 and parking is also available on the premises.
« Return to News
|
