Lebanon PA News

Lebanon Valley College issued the following announcement on Dec. 14.

The Black Student Union and members of the Celebration LVC Taskforce hosted a 2021 Kwanzaa celebration at the Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery in the Zimmerman Recital Hall in early December. 

LVC President James MacLaren welcomed the guests to the celebration before Chris Luzon ’25 performed When We Were Young by Adele. 

As the keynote speaker, Dr. Nate Gadsden, a minister, motivational speaker, and life coach, gave a resounding historical overview of the context for Kwanzaa, which African American scholar Maulana Karenga created in the 1960s.  

Seven students—Johña Wetzel ’24, Jolly Abouseif ’24, Yonaira Velazquez Seguinot ’24, Taylor Mazanek ’24, Margaret Mailey ’24, Ethan Tirado ’22, and Raynae Bosley ’22—led the lighting of the candles to recognize the seven principles of Kwanzaa:

• Umoja (Unity) 
• Kujichagula (Self-determination)
• Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility)
• Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
• Nia (Purpose)
• Kuumba (Creativity)
• Imani (Faith)

During the celebration, the inaugural Nguzu Saba Award was introduced to recognize individuals who embodies all seven principles of Kwanzaa. Evelyn Colón, advancement coordinator, and Dr. Terrence Alladin, assistant professor of criminal justice, are this year’s staff and faculty recipients. The award will be presented annually during the Kwanzaa celebration on based student votes.

Shellann Worthen ’22, Asma Badaway ’25, and Darrell Duri ’22 shared self-narratives on what they bring to the LVC community. Bosley then delivered a final musical performance that filled the room with the power of uplifting unity. 

Mi’s Island Vibe provided a delightful culinary meal. A special thanks to Kayla Spiller ’22 and Wetzel, student members of the planning team, and other students who assisted in organizing the event. 

Original source can be found here.