While the 12 days of Christmas seem forged into the lexicon of American culture, the seven principles of Kwanzaa
(unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility,
cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith) seem to get lost
in translation more often than not. The movie The Black Candle
seeks to enlighten the virtues of the holiday celebrated by a large
portion of the African American community. Narrated by world-renowned
poet Maya Angelou and directed by award-winning author and filmmaker M.K. Asante Jr.,
the movie is an inspirational story about the struggle and triumph of
the African American family, community and culture while providing a
timely illustration on why the tenets of Kwanzaa are important in
everyday life. It will be screened Thursday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m., at the Community Folk Art Center, 805 E. Genesee St. (442-2230). The event is part of the monthly Th3
(Third Thursday) collaborative of 18 local galleries that host special
events in conjunction to make aware the vast artistic culture within
Syracuse. For a full schedule of Th3, visit www.th3syracuse.com.
