Community celebrates fourth day of Kwanzaa: Ujamaa

A celebration of community and culture on Milwaukee's north side Tuesday night.

African drums and dancing at the African American Women's Center helped mark the fourth day of Kwanzaa.

The day's principle is Ujamaa, or cooperative economics. The hope is to encourage more black-owned businesses and to shop there to build a stronger community.

Organizers said the the fourth day of Kwanzaa usually means a lot of talking to educate the public, but not this year.

"What we wanted to do was create something similar to an African marketplace," said Kenneth Brown, II, executive director of the Ina Onilu Drum and Dance Ensemble. "And in Guinea what they do, is traditionally they'll have the vendors around, as you see, and in the middle, you'll see dancing and drumming going on."

About a dozen local vendors showcased their items for sale at the event. The seven day-holiday of Kwanzaa ends on January first. You can find a list of events here.

Share this article: