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New York Today: An African Harvest Holiday New York Today: An African Harvest Holiday
(about 2 hours later)
Updated, 7:30 a.m.
Good morning on this pleasant Friday.Good morning on this pleasant Friday.
Habari gani?Habari gani?
That means “What’s up?” in Swahili, and it’s a common greeting used during Kwanzaa, which begins on Monday.That means “What’s up?” in Swahili, and it’s a common greeting used during Kwanzaa, which begins on Monday.
The weeklong holiday, which draws on African harvest traditions, was founded by Maulana Karenga, a professor, in 1966 as a way for African-Americans to celebrate their heritage.The weeklong holiday, which draws on African harvest traditions, was founded by Maulana Karenga, a professor, in 1966 as a way for African-Americans to celebrate their heritage.
We were curious about the holiday’s beginnings, so we dug into The Times’s archive for the first mention of Kwanzaa. That was in December 1971, in an article titled “Spirit of Kwanza: A Time of Giving”We were curious about the holiday’s beginnings, so we dug into The Times’s archive for the first mention of Kwanzaa. That was in December 1971, in an article titled “Spirit of Kwanza: A Time of Giving”
In that article, a certain Alfred Sharpton, a 16-year-old ordained Pentecostal minister, taught students from Harlem about the traditions and seven principles of Kwanzaa.In that article, a certain Alfred Sharpton, a 16-year-old ordained Pentecostal minister, taught students from Harlem about the traditions and seven principles of Kwanzaa.
Alfred Sharpton, of course, came to be known as the Rev. Al Sharpton.Alfred Sharpton, of course, came to be known as the Rev. Al Sharpton.
We called him to ask about that day 45 years ago, and to talk about his history with the holiday.We called him to ask about that day 45 years ago, and to talk about his history with the holiday.
“At the beginning, it was very strange, because there I am using Swahili terms to young people,” Mr. Sharpton said. “And they’re thinking, ‘This guy’s my brother’s age.’ ”“At the beginning, it was very strange, because there I am using Swahili terms to young people,” Mr. Sharpton said. “And they’re thinking, ‘This guy’s my brother’s age.’ ”
The goal for the young Mr. Sharpton, a Brooklyn native who had been celebrating Kwanzaa for two years at the time, was to instill values in his community, he said.The goal for the young Mr. Sharpton, a Brooklyn native who had been celebrating Kwanzaa for two years at the time, was to instill values in his community, he said.
“I felt that young people who could not be reached at the church needed some values, even if we couldn’t give them religion,” he said.“I felt that young people who could not be reached at the church needed some values, even if we couldn’t give them religion,” he said.
The secular holiday of Kwanzaa, which is based on principles like unity, creativity, purpose and self-determination, seemed like a way to accomplish that, he added.The secular holiday of Kwanzaa, which is based on principles like unity, creativity, purpose and self-determination, seemed like a way to accomplish that, he added.
Today, Kwanzaa is celebrated across North America and the Caribbean.Today, Kwanzaa is celebrated across North America and the Caribbean.
“I had no idea it would grow to this level,” Mr. Sharpton said. “There was a need.”“I had no idea it would grow to this level,” Mr. Sharpton said. “There was a need.”
He mentioned a report in The Times this week about gang violence in Chicago. “It’s needed now more than ever,” he pointed out.He mentioned a report in The Times this week about gang violence in Chicago. “It’s needed now more than ever,” he pointed out.
You can join Mr. Sharpton and Mr. Karenga for a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Kwanzaa at the House of Justice Auditorium in Harlem on Dec. 28.You can join Mr. Sharpton and Mr. Karenga for a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Kwanzaa at the House of Justice Auditorium in Harlem on Dec. 28.
Here’s what else is happening:Here’s what else is happening:
Not bad at all.Not bad at all.
Here we are on the day before Christmas Eve, and we’re expecting sunshine and a high of 48.Here we are on the day before Christmas Eve, and we’re expecting sunshine and a high of 48.
It doesn’t look like it’s going to be a white Christmas.It doesn’t look like it’s going to be a white Christmas.
We could be unwrapping some rain and a touch of wind on Saturday.We could be unwrapping some rain and a touch of wind on Saturday.
And Christmas Day is forecast to be sunny and bright.And Christmas Day is forecast to be sunny and bright.
• Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has proposed a new prosecutor, controlled by him, to investigate state spending. [New York Times]• Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has proposed a new prosecutor, controlled by him, to investigate state spending. [New York Times]
• Richard Lipsky, a lobbyist felled in a bribery scandal for which he spent time in prison, won a judge’s permission to consult for a union on barriers to jobs for former inmates. [New York Times]• Richard Lipsky, a lobbyist felled in a bribery scandal for which he spent time in prison, won a judge’s permission to consult for a union on barriers to jobs for former inmates. [New York Times]
• At least 10 young people died during a three-month period last summer while under the watch of the Administration for Children’s Services, according to an audit by Comptroller Scott M. Stringer. [DNAinfo]• At least 10 young people died during a three-month period last summer while under the watch of the Administration for Children’s Services, according to an audit by Comptroller Scott M. Stringer. [DNAinfo]
• Certified results show that Hillary Clinton received nearly 2.9 million more votes than Donald J. Trump. [Associated Press]• Certified results show that Hillary Clinton received nearly 2.9 million more votes than Donald J. Trump. [Associated Press]
• A look inside one of the new Second Avenue subway stations. [NY1]• A look inside one of the new Second Avenue subway stations. [NY1]
• The first Hasidic Jewish woman to be elected to public office in the United States was sworn in as a Brooklyn judge. [CBS]• The first Hasidic Jewish woman to be elected to public office in the United States was sworn in as a Brooklyn judge. [CBS]
• The Radio City Rockettes will perform at Donald J. Trump’s inauguration. [PIX11]• The Radio City Rockettes will perform at Donald J. Trump’s inauguration. [PIX11]
• Traffic jams? What traffic jams? A driver hit 240 green lights in Manhattan. [Gothamist]• Traffic jams? What traffic jams? A driver hit 240 green lights in Manhattan. [Gothamist]
• Today’s Metropolitan Diary: “Taking the E Instead of the F”• Today’s Metropolitan Diary: “Taking the E Instead of the F”
• Scoreboard: Devils singe Flyers, 4-0. Warriors unpick Nets, 117-101. Knicks dispel Magic, 106-95. Eagles down Giants, 24-19.• Scoreboard: Devils singe Flyers, 4-0. Warriors unpick Nets, 117-101. Knicks dispel Magic, 106-95. Eagles down Giants, 24-19.
• For a global look at what’s happening, see Your Friday Briefing.• For a global look at what’s happening, see Your Friday Briefing.
• Before it officially opens next month, visit the new subway station on the Second Avenue line at 96th Street on the Upper East Side. 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. [Free]• Before it officially opens next month, visit the new subway station on the Second Avenue line at 96th Street on the Upper East Side. 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. [Free]
• A screening of the true-life romantic comedy “Meet the Patels” is at the Lost Battalion Hall Recreation Center in Rego Park, Queens. 11 a.m. [Free]• A screening of the true-life romantic comedy “Meet the Patels” is at the Lost Battalion Hall Recreation Center in Rego Park, Queens. 11 a.m. [Free]
• Ice-carving demonstrations, train cars and cocktails are at “Bar Car Nights” at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. 7 p.m. [$35]• Ice-carving demonstrations, train cars and cocktails are at “Bar Car Nights” at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. 7 p.m. [$35]
• A comedy show about the greatest American novels never written, at Union Hall in Park Slope, Brooklyn. 8:30 p.m. [$8]• A comedy show about the greatest American novels never written, at Union Hall in Park Slope, Brooklyn. 8:30 p.m. [$8]
• A concert in tribute to Leonard Cohen is at the Jalopy Theater and School of Music in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. 9 p.m. [$10]• A concert in tribute to Leonard Cohen is at the Jalopy Theater and School of Music in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. 9 p.m. [$10]
• Devils at Penguins, 7 p.m. (MS+2). Rangers host Wild, 7 p.m. (MSG). Nets at Cavaliers, 7:30 (YES).• Devils at Penguins, 7 p.m. (MS+2). Rangers host Wild, 7 p.m. (MSG). Nets at Cavaliers, 7:30 (YES).
SaturdaySaturday
• A zumba class is at Poe Park Visitor Center in the Bronx. 10 a.m. [Free]• A zumba class is at Poe Park Visitor Center in the Bronx. 10 a.m. [Free]
• December, with its leafless trees, is a great time for bird-watching. Join Urban Rangers as they look out for feathered friends in Jamaica Bay at Bayswater Park in Far Rockaway, Queens. 1 p.m. [Free]• December, with its leafless trees, is a great time for bird-watching. Join Urban Rangers as they look out for feathered friends in Jamaica Bay at Bayswater Park in Far Rockaway, Queens. 1 p.m. [Free]
• Get into the holiday spirit at a performance of “A Christmas Carol” at the New Ohio Theater in Greenwich Village. 2 p.m. [$25]• Get into the holiday spirit at a performance of “A Christmas Carol” at the New Ohio Theater in Greenwich Village. 2 p.m. [$25]
• A screening of “Christmas, Again,” is at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens. 2 p.m. [$12]• A screening of “Christmas, Again,” is at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens. 2 p.m. [$12]
• Celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with the lighting of a giant menorah in Grand Army Plaza near Central Park in Midtown. 8 p.m. [free]• Celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with the lighting of a giant menorah in Grand Army Plaza near Central Park in Midtown. 8 p.m. [free]
• Jets at Patriots, 1 p.m. (CBS). Islanders host Sabres, 7 p.m. (MSG+).• Jets at Patriots, 1 p.m. (CBS). Islanders host Sabres, 7 p.m. (MSG+).
SundaySunday
• Visit a holiday light installation called Luminaries at Brookfield Place in Lower Manhattan. 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.• Visit a holiday light installation called Luminaries at Brookfield Place in Lower Manhattan. 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Join an open run with the New York Road Runners in Crotona Park in the Bronx. 9 a.m. [Free]• Join an open run with the New York Road Runners in Crotona Park in the Bronx. 9 a.m. [Free]
• A tour of Central Park led by guides from the Central Park Conservancy begins at East 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue on the Upper East Side. 2 p.m. [Free]• A tour of Central Park led by guides from the Central Park Conservancy begins at East 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue on the Upper East Side. 2 p.m. [Free]
• Visit parks, industrial areas and cultural institutions on a tour of Long Island City in Queens. 9:30 a.m. [$32]• Visit parks, industrial areas and cultural institutions on a tour of Long Island City in Queens. 9:30 a.m. [$32]
• Knicks host Celtics, noon. (MSG).• Knicks host Celtics, noon. (MSG).
• For more events, see The New York Times’s Arts & Entertainment guide.• For more events, see The New York Times’s Arts & Entertainment guide.
• Subway and PATH• Subway and PATH
• Railroads: L.I.R.R., Metro-North, N.J. Transit, Amtrak• Railroads: L.I.R.R., Metro-North, N.J. Transit, Amtrak
• Roads: Check traffic map or radio report on the 1s or the 8s.• Roads: Check traffic map or radio report on the 1s or the 8s.
• Alternate-side parking: in effect until Dec. 25.• Alternate-side parking: in effect until Dec. 25.
• Ferries: Staten Island Ferry, New York Waterway, East River Ferry• Ferries: Staten Island Ferry, New York Waterway, East River Ferry
• Airports: La Guardia, J.F.K., Newark• Airports: La Guardia, J.F.K., Newark
• Weekend travel hassles: Check subway disruptions and a list of street closings.• Weekend travel hassles: Check subway disruptions and a list of street closings.
Kwanzaa events abound in New York City. Here’s something to do each day during the holiday.Kwanzaa events abound in New York City. Here’s something to do each day during the holiday.
Monday: In the spirit of the Kwanzaa principle ujamaa (cooperative economics), you can join a pub crawl supporting African-American-owned businesses at bars across Brooklyn.Monday: In the spirit of the Kwanzaa principle ujamaa (cooperative economics), you can join a pub crawl supporting African-American-owned businesses at bars across Brooklyn.
Tuesday: The African Burial Ground begins four days of discussions, film screenings, music and poetry.Tuesday: The African Burial Ground begins four days of discussions, film screenings, music and poetry.
Wednesday: Children can make African drums or jewelry and learn about the traditions of Kwanzaa at the Brooklyn Public Library.Wednesday: Children can make African drums or jewelry and learn about the traditions of Kwanzaa at the Brooklyn Public Library.
Thursday: Interactive stories and musical performances are part of an eclectic four-day celebration at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum.Thursday: Interactive stories and musical performances are part of an eclectic four-day celebration at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum.
Friday: Hear an afternoon of Afro-Caribbean music, followed by a performance from the “American Idol” star Ruben Studdard at the American Museum of Natural History. And a candle-lighting ceremony is at the Afrikan Poetry Theater in Jamaica, Queens.Friday: Hear an afternoon of Afro-Caribbean music, followed by a performance from the “American Idol” star Ruben Studdard at the American Museum of Natural History. And a candle-lighting ceremony is at the Afrikan Poetry Theater in Jamaica, Queens.
Saturday: The Apollo Theater holds its Kwanzaa celebration, with a performance by Abdel Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theater.Saturday: The Apollo Theater holds its Kwanzaa celebration, with a performance by Abdel Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theater.
Sunday: The L.G.B.T. Kwanzaa Community of NYC hosts a market at Judson Memorial Church near Washington Square Park.Sunday: The L.G.B.T. Kwanzaa Community of NYC hosts a market at Judson Memorial Church near Washington Square Park.
New York Today won’t be published on Monday, in observance of Christmas. We’ll be back on Tuesday.New York Today won’t be published on Monday, in observance of Christmas. We’ll be back on Tuesday.
New York Today is a weekday roundup that stays live from 6 a.m. till late morning. You can receive it via email.New York Today is a weekday roundup that stays live from 6 a.m. till late morning. You can receive it via email.
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What would you like to see here to start your day? Post a comment, email us at nytoday@nytimes.com, or reach us via Twitter using #NYToday.What would you like to see here to start your day? Post a comment, email us at nytoday@nytimes.com, or reach us via Twitter using #NYToday.
Follow the New York Today columnists, Alexandra Levine and Jonathan Wolfe, on Twitter.Follow the New York Today columnists, Alexandra Levine and Jonathan Wolfe, on Twitter.
You can find the latest New York Today at nytoday.com.You can find the latest New York Today at nytoday.com.