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Kujichagulia: Our Self Determined Youth
Join us as we continue the tradition of honoring our ancestors while celebrating our young people!
This year, we are taking time out to show our youth how much they mean to us! Young people are doing amazing things in our community while going to school and planning their futures. Let’s remind them we are here to support and celebrate all that they do!
As per tradition, we will proceed into the Umoja Ceremony led by The Dr. Kafajouffe Memorial Drum Circle. There will be tributes to Dr. Kafajouffe & founding pastor the late Rev. Dr. Michael C. Murphy as well as honoring our ancestors through pouring of libation. Our guest speakers this year are Deacon Jereny & Sister ChaDorea Robinson, advocates for both youth and the arts, specifically dance. For more than 15 years, The Robinsons have supported our youth by teaching dance in the greater Lansing area.
This is a free event and all are welcome!
We are looking for youth centered vendors for The Ujamaa Marketplace!
The cost is $25.00 and includes a table, 2 chairs, and marketing of your products or services on all media.
The History of Kwanzaa
St. Stephen’s founding pastor, Rev. Dr. Michael C. Murphy, felt it was important to make our cultural identity part of our identity as a congregation. To that end, St. Stephen’s Community Church began celebrating Kwanzaa the year of the church’s founding in 1987.
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Close to 40 years ago, Kwanzaa at St. Stephen’s began as a daily celebration, beginning on December 26th with Umoja and ending on January 1st with Imani. The celebration was dedicated in his memory as The Rev. Dr. Michael C. Murphy Annual Kwanzaa Celebration after his passing.
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Over years, the celebration has changed with the times, however, one thing is certain: Kwanzaa will always be a part of our church history, celebrating Black American culture, history, and community now and into the future.
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For more information about the history of Kwanzaa and its founder, visit the links below!
Kwanzaa At St. Stephen's is a self sustaining ministry
Because of the generosity of our community, we are able to bring you this program for the cultural impact it had made for close to forty years. Every penny goes towards the planning and performance of the celebration. Please consider making a donation. Thank you for supporting Kwanzaa St. Stephen's!