Kujichagulia — self determination — highlighted by Mid-South Kwanzaa and the Umoja Foundation

12/28/2023

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1GSWE_1690 — Councilwoman-elect Pearl Walker lights a candle on the kinara during the celebration of the Kwanzaa principle Kujichagulia (self determination) at Abyssinian M.B.C. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The Tri-State Defender)

Mid-South Kwanzaa, Inc, and The Umoja Foundation united on Wednesday (Dec. 27) to present a celebration of the Kwanzaa principle of Kujichagulia — self determination.

The Rev. Dr. Earle J. Fisher (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The Tri-State Defender)

Patricia Lee (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The Tri-State Defender)

The venue was Abyssinian Missionary Baptist Church at 3890 Millbranch Rd., where the Rev. Dr. Earle J. Fisher is the pastor. He led the pouring of libations after a greeting by Patricia Lee.

Detailing the purpose. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The Tri-State Defender)

“Empress” Renee Ellis detailed the purpose of Kwanzaa, which was followed by the pledge embraced by several of the attending children.

The Pledge. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The Tri-State Defender)

Councilwoman-elect Pearl Walker handled the candle-lighting ceremony, which preceded a song by Songstress Empress Joyce.

Empress Joyce. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The Tri-State Defender)

“Kween” Nell Williams and “Khing” Latroy Williams. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The Tri-State Defender)

“Kween” Nell Williams introduced “Khing” Latroy Williams, with both sharing thoughts in keeping with the day’s focus.

Ellen “Butterfly Allen (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The Tri-State Defender)

Ellen “Butterfly” Allen reflected on “Reclaiming Our Heritage,” which was followed by a song by “Kween” Cassandra Riley and skit by the Umoja Foundation.