Folks Enjoy First-Ever 'Kwanzaabration' In West Philly
By Hadas Kuznits
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - With the African-American festival of Kwanzaa well underway, a weekend celebration of this cultural holiday is taking place in West Philadelphia.
The first ever "Kwanzaabration" took place at Universal Audenrein High School.
"Everything is Kwanzaa-themed," says Oshunbumi Fernandez, CEO of Odunde Incorporated. "We have arts and crafts Kwanzaa themed, face painting, moon bounce, we have the balloonist making little crowns for the children. We have a main stage of live entertainment, so we just have a family oriented event where everyone can come and have a good time!"
Oshunbumi partnered with Kenny Gamble of Philadelphia International Records to help put on this event:
"I think that the principles of Kwanzaa can help to uplift young people so that they know that they're connected to a glorious past," Gamble tells KYW Newsradio.
Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga:
"And he wanted to just increase the awareness of the African, and the impact that the African-Americans have in the culture," says Fernandez.
She adds celebrating Kwanzaa like this is important because you can learn from everyone's culture.
