Are you not sure what Kwanzaa is all about, but want to know more? Or have you been celebrating Kwanzaa since day one? Either way, you will be both welcomed and accommodated at the Kwanzaa Gwaride (parade) on Friday, the first day of Kwanzaa, co-sponsored by The Act of Change Inc. and The Pan-African Connection Bookstore. Often misunderstood, Kwanzaa is an African-American and Pan-African holiday which celebrates family, community and culture. Based on African harvest celebrations, the name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza," which means "first fruits" in Swahili. Expect to see rappers and poets, visual artists and community organizers, drummers, storytellers and much more along the route. The parade starts at Lincoln High School, Hatcher Street and Malcolm X Boulevard, promptly at 1 p.m. Friday. Call 214-372-3500 or 214-943-8262 for more information.
Fri., Dec. 26, 1 p.m., 2008