Ujima: Collective Work and Responsibility

Celebrate the third day of Kwanzaa (Ujima, Collective Work and Responsibility) at the library for its 20th annual Kwanzaa festivities. To kick off this special event, musician and storyteller Azere Wilson will perform with Nigerian born percussionist Manas Itene some original and classic African American tunes curated based on the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Following the performance a feast will be served.  A fun, educational, and entertaining afternoon for the whole family. 

Kwanzaa happens every year from December 26 through January 1. The holiday's rituals celebrate African cultural traditions, highlighting the "seven principles of African heritage." The principle for the 3rd day, Ujima, means to build and maintain our community together, making our brothers’ and sisters’ problems our problems and solving them together.

Azere Wilson is a bluesy, roots Americana musician and storyteller from the California hill country. Old-time blues, Americana, and Folk music are her volumes of truth. Her elders are Nina Simone, Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, and traditional Black music and bluegrass. Azere breathes new life into old music from the early 1900s and melds her originals with a jazzy, folk blues vibe. 

Manas Itene is a world renowned Nigerian born percussionist and local whose played with Michael Franti and Spearhead since 2001, and before that he played with Inka Inka, the Mandators, and many others.