Wednesday, December 26, 2012
The end of December marks the beginning of Kwanzaa, the African and Caribbean holiday celebrating seven principles of community. Wednesday started with Umoja or unity, the first of the seven principles and the beginning of the holiday. The Metro Atlanta Kwanzaa Association invited the metro area community to the Shrine of the Black Madonna in the West End to help celebrate with food, activities for children, dancing, drumming and informational presentations.
Baba Atu plays during the drum call at the beginning of Kwanzaa during the celebration of Umoja or Unity at the Shrine of the Black Madonna in Atlanta on Wednesday, December 26, 2012.
Donna Kokumo Buie watches the Kwanzaa celebration at the Shrine of the Black Madonna in Atlanta on Wednesday, December 26, 2012.
A kinara holding seven candles representing the seven principles of Kwanzaa sits on stage at the Shrine of the Black Madonna in Atlanta on Wednesday, December 26, 2012.
Baba Atu plays during the drum call at the beginning of Kwanzaa during the celebration of Umoja or Unity at the Shrine of the Black Madonna in Atlanta on Wednesday, December 26, 2012.
Ahmed Sekou Toure opens the first day of Kwanzaa celebrations at the Shrine of the Black Madonna in Atlanta on Wednesday, December 26, 2012.
A Kwanzaa display sits on stage at the SHrine of the Black Madonna in Atlanta on Wednesday, December 26, 2012.
Olatunji Lumumba pours out libations to honor ancestors during the Kwanzaa celebration at the Shrine of the Black Madonna in Atlanta on Wednesday, December 26, 2012.
Ahmed Sekou Toure (left) and Donna Kokumo Buie explain the different parts of the Kwanzaa display during the celebration of Umoja or Unity at the Shrine of the Black Madonna in Atlanta on Wednesday, December 26, 2012.
A Kwanzaa display sits on stage at the Shrine of the Black Madonna in Atlanta on Wednesday, December 26, 2012.
Haqikah Nyahuma beats on a tambourine during the Kwanzaa celebration at the Shrine of the Black Madonna in Atlanta on Wednesday, December 26, 2012.
Shaka Olapipo (center) holds a drawing of the seven candles of Kwanzaa during the celebration of Umoja or Unity at the Shrine of the Black Madonna in Atlanta on Wednesday, December 26, 2012.