UF Institute of Black Culture to host Kwanzaa celebration

December 1, 2005

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida’s Institute of Black Culture will host a Kwanzaa celebration Tuesday.

The celebration starts at 6 p.m. in the Reitz Student Union Rion Ballroom. There will be live performances by the University Gospel Choir, African Connection drumming ensemble, spoken word group Souljahz of Verbal Expression, Authentic African Customs Dance Troupe and many more. Admission is free and open to the public. A couple hundred people are expected to attend.

A reception for everyone will immediately follow at the UF Institute of Black Culture, 1510 W. University Ave.

“I am excited to bring Kwanzaa back because it is a unique holiday celebration produced and celebrated largely by the black community, and I am excited to share its principles with the UF and Gainesville communities,” said Darius Bost, the director of the Institute of Black Culture.

Kwanzaa is an African-American and Pan-American celebration beginning Dec. 26 and ending Jan. 1. It focuses on the traditional African values of family, community responsibility, commerce and self-improvement. Kwanzaa is a time of reaffirming African-American people, their ancestors and culture and is celebrated by more than 18 million people worldwide.