Mayor Domenic J. Sarno joined today with Mayoral Aide Shenell Ford, Ayanna Crawford and other members of the Kwanzaa Collective, to bring greetings at the 2023 Kwanzaa Ceremony Celebration that took place Wednesday morning at City Hall. This annual ceremony, which fell on the second day of Kwanzaa Week, included words from Pan African Historical Museum USA (PAHMUSA) Executive Director Sam Bradley, poetry, an African drumming performance, the lighting of the Kinara, presentation of awards, refreshments, and more.
Mayor Sarno issued a proclamation declaring December 26th through January 1st as Kwanzaa Week in the City of Springfield and the second candle in the Kinara was lit for Kujichagulia (Self-Determination). The Kwanzaa Collective presented Damahya Mongroo and Zelmon “Zee” Johnson with their annual awards. State Representative Bud Williams, City Councilor Lavar Click-Bruce, City Councilor-elect Brian Santaniello, the city’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Judith Crowell, and Greater Springfield NAACP President Bishop Talbert Swan also joined for the ceremony.
Mayor Sarno stated, “I want to thank my Mayoral Aide Shenell Ford, as well as Ayanna Crawford and the Springfield Kwanzaa Collective for their efforts in helping to put together a wonderful Kwanzaa Celebration here at City Hall. This annual event celebrates family pride, faith, community, and African-American culture and the roots and traditions of the holiday. It’s all about coming together. Congratulations to Ms. Mongroo and all of the Kwanzaa Collective awardees and thank you for all that you do for our community. On behalf of the City of Springfield, best wishes for a Happy Kwanzaa and Happy New Year!”
