On Thursday, December 8, the Hostos Community College family celebrated the 25
th annual Kwanzaa celebration with a special event in the Hostos Repertory Theater.
In front of a packed house of attendees, the history of Kwanzaa was shared while the seven Kwanzaa principles – Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work & responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith) – were recited and ceremonial candles were lit. Kwanzaa is celebrated by African Americans across the country from December 26 through January 1.
Dr. Clarence Taylor, Professor of History, Modern African American, Religion and Civil Rights at Baruch, presented a comprehensive dialogue on the African experience throughout history.
Two Hostos students, nursing major Kadidjatou Bamba and dental hygiene major Kathryn V. Gabriel, were presented with $500 scholarships for their outstanding commitment to their studies.
The evening concluded with a rousing performance by the
Forces of Nature Dance Theatre Company. Check out a video of the performance.
Sponsored by the Hostos Association, Office of the President, Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture, Alumni Relations Office, and the Kwanzaa Committee. This celebration have been held for the last 25 years under the leadership of Admissions Advisor Pat Mabry and the Kwanzaa Committee.
About Hostos Community College
Eugenio María de Hostos Community College is an educational agent for change that has been transforming and improving the quality of life in the South Bronx and neighboring communities for nearly half a century. Since 1968, Hostos has been a gateway to intellectual growth and socioeconomic mobility, as well as a point of departure for lifelong learning, success in professional careers, and transfer to advanced higher education programs.
Hostos offers 28 associate degree programs and two certificate programs that facilitate easy transfer to The City University of New York’s (CUNY) four-year colleges or baccalaureate studies at other institutions. The College has an award-winning Division of Continuing Education & Workforce Development that offers professional development courses and certificate-bearing workforce training programs. Hostos is part of CUNY, the nation’s leading urban public university, which serves more than 500,000 students at 24 colleges.