Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 22 January 1998 — Page 21

The Muncie Times, January 22, 1998, Page 21 Armstrong’s ready for sixth annual Kwanzaa celebration By Judy Mays

(Please Note: Due to an error, the second part of this story was omitted from the first printing. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.)

On Dec. 26 the James R. The first Kwanzaa celebration The ceremony now includes Armstrong family will Armstrong shared with hisSondra’s two sons, Michael celebrate their sixth family was the Karamu feast at and Myron and Charles’

Kwanzaa. St. Mary s Catholic Church in daughter Ashley. Armstrong, a second Anderson. “Each vearthev talk to other

generation owner of Ray’s Armstrong decided then to family members and friends Shoe Shop in Whitely bring the celebration to his about the principles which focus believes very strongly in home, where it is the setting for on unity, self determination, family ties and commitment, discussing the past, committing collective work, and

“When I first learned to the present and striving for a responsibility, cooperative,

about Kwanzaa in 1992,1 better future-for his family and economics, purpose, creativity

was immediately impressed community. “The first and faith,

with the strongprinciplesthat celebration of Kwanzaa in my “We invite them to come

speak to the heritage and home was a simple effort to and share with us.”

values we want to share with bring the family together in unity, I definitely see it as a time to our families and pass them which is the principle that is discuss commitments, in our

on,” said Armstrong. expressed on the first night, personal endeavors and to each and is a good foundation to help Even though Kwanzaa is a When the black candle, or unity other. It’s a time to embrace the you deal with life issues.” cultural holiday, it was in candle is lit.” dreams of others, to foster Added Jordan, “I like to fellowship with African It began with his wife, their forgiveness and help others leam about black Americans. I

American Ministries, Diocese son, James, and his wife Donna, work through their goals,” said like black history.”

of Lafayette, Ind., that and their children, Monique and Armstrong’s oldest son, who is According to James, “Dad Armstrong became aware or j orc j an? ano ther son, Charles alsoJames. lights the unity candle on the first

Other family members also offered their insights. Said Sondra, “Our family has established a tradition, that’s important we want it to go on and on.” ■ Added Donna, “Especially in times like these, with the deterioration we see in the family.” Monique said, “I like discussing the principles and trying to apply them. It’satime of fun and celebration and good

food.

But also, it’s educational

night he represents the elder. We then take turns on the following nights.” Last year Donna’s niece Natasha Kroma performed an authentic African dance in celebration of

Kwanzaa.

‘We used to set up the table with cloth and fruits and Kinara and candles in our living room. The year my wife, Hattie, was ill we set everything up in the bedroom. She still celebrated with us before she passed.” Added Jordan, “That’s what I really like about Kwanzaa. It’s atime to see family we don’t see very often, especially since grandma died. “It’s good to still go to grandma’s house.” The Armstrongs will share their experiences and light the unity candle during the Kwanzaa kick off at 6 p.m. on Dec. 26 at Minnetrista Cultural Center.