A free community event that marks “a true expression of Bermuda unity” is to take place in Hamilton Parish this month.

The annual Ujima parish gathering will be held on Sunday at Francis Patton Primary School from 1pm to 6pm.

The event is organised by the Ujima Foundation of Rise Tribe Bermuda and The Learning Space.

Renee Isaac, the chief executive of Rise Tribe Bermuda, said: “Ujima is held as a unified, family-friendly space for parish residents, businesses and organisations to attend in solidarity of unity in a festive, meet-and-greet/know-your-neighbour fashion.

“We encourage participation of the same every year via vending opportunity, performance or by bringing awareness to any particular aspect of organisational function in the Hamilton Parish community.”

Ms Isaac said Ujima is the third principle of Kwanzaa and signifies “collective work and responsibility”.

She said: “In this light, we bring attention to this value principle annually, specifically for the Hamilton Parish community, though others of the wider community with ‘good vibes only’ are also welcomed.

“It is with intention that we hold space for us to get to know our neighbours and determine how it is that we can support each other and work together for the year ahead.”

Ms Isaac said multiple features get added to the programme annually.

The line-up this year includes a Gombey performance to open the gathering, African drumming symbolic of a call to unity, a mini market offering goods of wellbeing and a Kwanzaa bingo with prizes.

A harvest table will also be available for attendees to share the bounty of their home gardens.

It is also marked by a special presentation to a parish “Ujima honouree”. Ms Isaac said the individual is usually someone who made a positive contribution to Hamilton Parish.

The organisers thanked donors who have supported the event over the years, including the Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa, The Swizzle Inn, Mamma Mia, ICS Tyres and Lindo's Market.

“It is the vision and hope that other parishes will adopt the spirit of Ujima and host such a gathering in their parish annually also,” Ms Isaac said.

Organisers hope that in the years to come, more groups can come together to festively close out the week observing Kwanzaa, which runs from December 26 to January 1, at the National Stadium in Devonshire.

• For more information, e-mail hello@risetribebda.com or contact the organisers via Instagram @risetribebda