Mayor Domenic J. Sarno along with Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris joined with the Kwanzaa Collective of Pioneer Valley, master of ceremonies Ayanna Crawford, and keynote speakers Dr. Amilicar Shabazz, and Dr. Demetria Shabazz for the 2021 Kwanzaa Ceremony Celebration at City Hall. State Representatives Bud Williams and Orlando Ramos, as well as City Councilor Jesse Lederman also joined for the celebration.
Mayor Sarno brought greetings and presented a proclamation. The ceremony which was emceed by Ayanna Crawford, included an African drumming performance and lighting of the Kinara. The 2021 Kwanzaa Ceremony Celebration at City Hall recording is available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlFHQTY6zd4. Join the Kwanzaa Collective of Pioneer Valley for more virtual celebrations at: https://bit.ly/32pobCp.
Mayor Sarno stated, “I am so glad we were able to come together for this Kwanzaa Ceremony here at City Hall to celebrate faith, community, African-American culture and the roots and traditions of this holiday. We are grateful to Ayanna Crawford, who is truly a historian of Kwanzaa, and the Kwanzaa Collective of Pioneer Valley for putting this event together and helping us remember what this time of year is all about – coming together. Thank you to Lavar Click in my office for coordinating to make this happen, and to Doctors Amilicar and Demetria Shabazz for joining us today along with our talented performers who made the celebration special. Best wishes for a Happy Kwanzaa and Happy New Year!”
Ayanna Crawford of the Kwanzaa Collective of Pioneer Valley states, “Kwanzaa is a time of Unity in the community and re-affirming our cultural connection to our African heritage and Principles.”
