People of Color
2618 W. 54th St, Los Angeles,
CA 90043
(323) 799-8409 kwanzaagwaride@gmail.com (323) 731-3330
Press Release
35th Annual Kwanzaa Gwaride
“A New Paradigm”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Los Angeles' Kwanzaa Man R. W.Akile announced at a South LA press conference today final plans for the
35th Annual Kwanzaa Gwaride (gwa-ree-dey) Parade and Festival, 12 noon, December 26, 2011 starting at Adams and Crenshaw marching to Leimert Park. The celebration opens
the 46th Year of the Kwanzaa Era (KE), The
Year of Ujamaa with a traditional salute honoring our Kebulani (African)
ancestors and exalting our culture. “A
New Paradigm” is the theme of this year’s celebration. Gwaride will feature the “Bendera Gwaride”
where the 54 Flags of Kebulan/Africa and the flags of ANY nation where Black
people live will be carried as an act of Umoja (Unity) on the First day of
Kwanzaa.
Traditional Chiwara Masks
representing the ancestors bringing us into the New Year and a masker
representing Sango, the Patron Orisa of Kwanzaa will lead the Gwaride. Included in the procession is an “Ourstorical
Drama” which is a mobile dramatization of actual ancestors and mythical figures
from the past which come to life as they walk in the Gwaride. This
year’s roster includes Queen Kalifia, (whom California is named for), Harriet Tubman, ShakaZulu, Mami Wata, and Yemoja the premier mother energies of Kebulan. Kabade Brown, will perform his single release
“Obama’s Brighter Days” as a special treat during the Gwaride. Additional
entrants include a vintage Fire truck, New Orleans Second Line Dancers, Drill
Teams, Car Clubs, Motorcycle Clubs, Churches, Fraternal Organizations,
businesses, civic leaders, and dignitaries.
This year’s royal figures
will be community activist and author of the book “I Was There” Linda Jay, as
our Iyaba (Queen) and independent film maker Walter Powell, producer and
director of the award winning film “After School” as our Oba (King).