Give the Kwanzaa promise a try

Today is the first day of Kwanzaa, a seven-day celebration of African-American and Pan-African principles that apply to every culture that cares about humanity and self-pride. The Nguzo Saba is the values of unity, collective work and responsibility, self-determination, creativity, faith, cooperative economics and purpose.

The Spady Museum is welcoming the community to join it, as it partners with Zeta Phi Beta sorority’s Delray Beach chapter, to celebrate Kwanzaa 2012 at an event from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30 at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church Parrish Hall, 404 SW Third Avenue in Delray Beach. Admission is fresh fruit to share or canned goods. For more information, call Charlene Jones at 561-279-8883.

If you’ve never been to a Kwanzaa event, it is not a Black Christmas or African holiday. Instead, it’s a community gathering, where people of all faiths recommit themselves to helping each other and themselves, by recognizing the value of hard work, focus and a promise to being better citizens, family members and individuals.

It’s more like a resolution party.

My family and I have recognized Kwanzaa at programs from Riviera Beach to Ft. Lauderdale. Our boys were little and patiently sat through adults talking, children singing and poems being read at evening events. We also celebrated as a family, decorating the dining room with our harvest, candles and libation cup. We have good memories of Kwanzaa, the seven days of reflection and promise, following a Christmas day of exchanging gifts, enjoying family and giving thanks.

A nice balance – try it, if you’re able.

2012 is a new beginning at the Spady Museum; join us!

2011 was the 10^th anniversary for the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum, and before we head into 2012, let’s take a walk down memory lane…

During our birthday year, one of the biggest pieces of news was that our fabulous museum curator and educator Brandy Brownlee-Shaw was expecting her first child. Her baby, Xavier Shaw, was born Dec. 17, and we wish Brandy and her newly expanding family all the best.

On an event note, the museum enjoyed a wonderful Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast, welcomed a record crowd to its second Juneteenth celebration at Crane’s BeachHouse & Tiki Bar and served up soulful goodness with South African wines at its first “Soulful Tastings” at Patio Delray.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at these events and at our revamped and redesigned Heritage Day Festival.

We made new partners, retained key relationships and emerged sleeker and more focused in 2011. Our members renewed with enthusiasm, and our donors and supporters gave us great feedback and valued financial contributions.

Looking forward, we hope to see you at our new exhibits, beginning in January 2012 with ” Scenes from Africa: Photographs by Samuel Spear, Jr.,” and our regular events.

We appreciate all of your patronage, ideas and well wishes. The Spady Museum is ready for the next. Happy Holidays and Happy 2012!