Sinclair Community College is set to host the Kuumba Celebration in honor of African American History Month.
“Kuumba is a way for students to celebrate African American History Month in their own way,” Dr. Boikai Twe, chairperson of Psychology and African-American Studies department at Sinclair said.
The event honors African-American contributions to society and popular culture through hands-on activities and the use of music, fashion, arts and dance.
Kuumba in Swahili means “creativity.”
“Creativity, as we define it, is doing as much as you can in the way that you can to leave your community a more beautiful and beneficial place than you found it,” Twe said.
This year’s event will include presentations from local visual artist James Pate, student exhibits, a talent show and competition, as well as a black history trivia contest. Local musician Gil Gaddis will perform live music.
“We’re hoping to get the community involved, especially in the talent show,” Twe said. “Everyone is welcome to the event.”
The event will also include a visual display highlighting African-American conversion to Islam, Twe said.
Organized entirely by students involved in Sinclair’s African American History Month Committee and the African-American Studies Program, the Kuumba Celebration will take place Feb. 27 from 6 until 8:30 p.m. in Building 8 near the stage area. The event is free and open to the public.
For more information on the Kuumba Celebration, contact Twe at (937) 512-2889.