A thought-provoking, fun, interactive and entertaining event celebrating the best of “who we are as an African people” is to be held next week.

‘Kwanzaa: A Cultural Celebration and Enrichment Workshop’ will take place at Bouche Restaurant on December 9.

Kwanzaa is celebrated worldwide by millions of people in countries including the US, Africa, the Caribbean and Canada and it is a cultural holiday that seeks to “celebrate the best of who we are as an African people and challenges us to seek the highest possibility in ourselves and the community at large”.

Kwanzaa was created by one of her teachers, Dr. Maulana Karenga, in 1966. It is celebrated from December 26 to January 1.

The Kwanzaa creators intention was and is to focus the community on universal values that all people use to be successful. Kwanzaa is not about giving presents; it is about living an empowered life to be the benefit of the entire community.

Africologist Melodye Van Putten said: “This event will celebrate Kwanzaa as a cultural holiday and provide enrichment by fully explaining Kwanzaa, the principles it promotes and practical ways we can live Kwanzaa 365 days a year. It will be thought-provoking, fun, interactive, entertaining and a time to consider one’s own walk in the world.”

In October she held the ‘Know Thyself Seminar’ and she was encouraged by the attendees to host another event.

“That event was sold out and everyone wanted to know when is the next programme?

“I think people are hungry for programmes that provide food for the soul, as well as give entertainment, and that is certainly my goal in all of my programmes.” She added: “As a ‘pre-Kwanzaa’ event, this celebration will help set the tone for the actual Kwanzaa holiday by providing information to people who are not terribly familiar with the holiday, encourage those who are and gather folks of like minds for a cultural fest of good food, fellowship and empowering information.”

Her hope is that guests will learn not only the technical skills of Kwanzaa, but also how this cultural holiday can help empower everyday life.

“At the very least, I want people to consider the thought-provoking questions that I will be asking and life enhancing questions that will require reflection beyond the moment of the event.” Mrs Van Putten is an education consultant with nearly 25 years of experience providing historical and cultural information and lessons for empowerment via community programmes, curriculum, teacher training and parent workshops.

Last year, she became a published poet of ‘Soul Poems: Life as Fertile Ground’ and ‘Obamatyme: Election Poetry’, which won the 2009 USA Best Books Award for Urban Poetry.

Asked if she celebrated Kwanzaa, she said: “Yes, but more importantly, I live the principles of Kwanzaa everyday.”

The event will be held at Bouche Resturant starting at 6.30 pm; doors open at 6 pm.

Tickets $90, include a three-course meal and a Kwanzaa raffle. Those interested should contact Dale Butler on 505-3409 or ddbutler@digicel.blackberry .com for tickets.