Led by a Lawrence poet and storyteller, a community storytime aims to honor the meaning of Kwanzaa this holiday season.
Tai Amri Spann-Ryan, a co-founder of BLACK (Black Literature & Arts Collective of Kansas) Lawrence, will guide attendees through stories and activities about Kwanzaa, a celebration from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 based on African harvest festival traditions.
Spann-Ryan will share the seven principles of Kwanzaa: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith). Kwanzaa crafts and African snacks will compound with his storytime.
Although optional, attendees are invited to bring their favorite fruit or vegetable and add it to a Kwanzaa table display — not meant to be eaten. Vibrant colored produce like red sweet potatoes or bright pumpkins are recommended, the Facebook event page says. The produce will be donated to local food banks, Spann-Ryan said.
The event is scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19 at the Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St. It’s free to attend, but registration is required.
Limited spots are available; as of Thursday evening, there were 16 open spots left. Those interested in attending can register on the library’s webpage for the event, via lawrence.bibliocommons.com.
Visit the Facebook event page for more information.
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Maya Hodison (she/her), reporting correspondent, has been with The Lawrence Times since July 2021. Born and raised in Lawrence, she enjoys focusing on issues that people in marginalized communities face and amplifying voices that are oftentimes unvalued. Read more of her work for the Times here.
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