The�West Virginia University Center for Black Culture sponsoring its annual Kwanzaa celebration Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. in the�Mountainlair Blue Ballroom.

Kwanzaa is an American and Pan-African holiday traditionally celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, it was designed to convey a message that speaks to the best of what it means to be of African descent, while celebrating with brothers and sisters of all races, religions and backgrounds.

The celebration will be officiated by poet Mwatabu S. Okantah, assistant professor and poet-in-residence at Kent State University. Okantah also assists in facilitating the CBC&Rs Academic Students Achieving and Reaching Success Program every summer.

“Okantah was an amazing human being to learn from,” said Ellis Roper, Academic STARS student and former Mr. Mountaineer “His experience as an African American educator really opened my eyes to how my ancestors paved a way for my future and how I have a responsibility to pave an even brighter path for the generation in front of me.”

The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact the Center for Black Culture and Research at 304.293.7029 or visit their website at�http://cbc.wvu.edu/.

-WVU-

ttr/11/28/2016

CONTACT: Eric Jordan, Coordinator, Center for Black Culture and Research
304.293.7029; eric.jordan@mail.wvu.edu

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