A group of sorority sisters hope their annual event will become a local tradition that builds on the 41-year history of Kwanzaa -- a seven-day holiday created to help reunite Africans and their descendents scattered around the world.

The local chapter of Zeta Phi Beta invites the public to come Saturday afternoon to learn, celebrate and socialize during its third annual community Kwanzaa celebration.

“It started back in the civil rights era -- it really was created to help African-Americans get reacquainted with the African culture,” said Monica Taylor, president of the local Beta Iota Zeta chapter of the sorority. She and about 15 other area women make up the local chapter.

Whoever attends Saturday’s event at the Normal Public Library can expect an overview of Kwanzaa’s history, a lesson in who generally celebrates it and the meaning behind Kwanzaa’s seven principles. Refreshments also will be provided.

The Martin Luther King Club Inc. (MLK Club), in partnership with the American Legion Riders of Post 148 Chapter and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, hosted Santa on Tour and Trolley ride at the Old Fort YMCA, 2221 Reed St., on Dec. 8. The three organizations came together and decorated the party room at the Old Fort Y, resulting in a Christmas theme for all the kids to enjoy. The groups provided snacks, and purchased and wrapped toys so that all the kids in attendance could enjoy the Christmas spirit.   more »

The Black Student Union hosted its first event titled "Spoken Word: Express Yourself" on Thursday, Nov. 8. Onstage from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., students showcased their creative talents to their peers.

It was an hour before the show actually started. At the peak of the evening, about 130 people were present. According to Nindja Bazile, former president of African Students Association, BSU's predecessor, less than half of that amount attended previous spoken word events. She says, "I am really happy about the outcome."   more »

Kwanzaa, the African-American cultural holiday that aims to apply traditional African values to modern-day challenges, doesn't begin until the end of December.

So you might say that yesterday's Kwanzaa celebration, held at the Kiley Youth Center on Main Street in Peekskill, ushered in the "Kwanzaa season."

The holiday season, after all, is well under way, judging from the lights and decorations already strung across every downtown.

"The main thing we want the kids to take away is that we need to unite and   more »