By ONME News Review

Watch on The ONME Podcast Network part three of the Central Valley Kwanzaa reflection celebration featuring Imani Day (faith) at the African American Historical and Cultural Museum (AAHCMSJV). The community spoke as a whole how faith can move the Black community forward and the importance of faith being a part of one's foundation.

San Joaquin Valley Baba Kwanzaa Kehinde Solwazi explained the importance of the libation ceremony and what it means to the Black culture.

Former city council member, The Honorable Cynthia Sterling, spoke as the president of Black Women of Political Action (BWOPA), expressing the importance of faith in their organization and how it reflects to the community. Sterling also expressed the importance of having faith with the COVID-19 vaccine, comparing her similar experience as a youth who had to take the polio vaccine.

The AAHCMSJV of the San Joaquin Valley held Kwanzaa at its facility from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, celebrating the seven principles of Kwanzaa, bringing in various speakers from the community. Kwanzaa, meaning, "first fruits" allows for participants to acknowledge the fruits of their labor or harvest from the past year, also reviewing what needs to be worked on for the upcoming year.

Kwanzaa is a reflective celebration of African-based principles that originated in the United States in 1966 by founder Dr. Maulana Karenga; it is a celebration of community, family and culture, established as a means to help African Americans reconnect with their roots and heritage. The Nguzo Saba, Kwanzaa’s seven principles, include – Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).

Viewers can watch the Kwanzaa review of imani part 3 throughout January on the ONME Network via Roku, Amazon Fire TV and via televisions on Comcast Channel 99, AT & T Channel 93, Apple TV starting Friday, Jan. 7, 2022.