The 7 Days of Kwanzaa Have Begun

Rochelle E. Danquah holds the Unity Cup during the libation ceremony at the Kwanzaa celebration, held at the Southfield Public Library in Southfield, Mich., Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007. Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration beginning on Dec. 26 that focuses on African heritage and efforts to strengthen American families. It was begun in 1966.
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) — A holiday tradition dating back not centuries but decades has begun with the start of the seven days of Kwanzaa.
Unlike Christmas and Hanukkah, Kwanzaa isn't a religious holiday. Based on the year-end harvest festivals held in Africa for thousands of years, it's observed worldwide starting Friday by people of African descent.

Local observances include "Kwanzaa and the Seven Principles: Willing the Well-Being of the World," organized by the Black Arts and Cultural Center in Kalamazoo. Events will be held at the Epic Center, Kalamazoo Mall and other locations.

"We are partnering with various organizations in the city to host Kwanzaa events at their locations throughout the week with special guest speakers and entertainment," center director Sid Ellis told the Kalamazoo Gazette.

Kwanzaa is a Swahili word that means "first fruits of harvest." The holiday was created in 1966 by Maulana Ron Karenga, a professor at California State University, Long Beach, who is also executive director of the African American Cultural Center in Los Angeles.

Participation in Kwanzaa has leveled off, according to Keith Mayes, an assistant professor of African American and African Studies at the University of Minnesota. Mayes estimates between 500,000 and 2 million people in the U.S. celebrate Kwanzaa, out of about 40 million Americans identified by the U.S. Census as black or multiracial.

Ellis said the numbers aren't as important as what people learn from Kwanzaa.

"Kwanzaa is an acknowledgment of the African culture and heritage, and something BACC wants to help share with the entire community," he said.

Lil Wayne Rocks Farewell Concert, New Orleans Fans Bid Farewell

Preparing for his upcoming prison bid set to begin in February, Lil Wayne performed a farewell concert for his hometown New Orleans fans last night (December 28).
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After performing a slew of his hit records, Wayne took a moment to thank his loyal followers.

The artist returned to his hometown of New Orleans for a performance Monday on what he's calling his farewell tour. "I'm nothing without you," he told the screaming crowd of thousands of fans at the New Orleans Arena after opening the concert with "A Milli," which last year earned him a Grammy for best rap solo. (The Press Association)

Fans shared their sadness regarding Wayne having to be taken away from his music career as he heads into a speculated one-year prison stint.

As thousands of fans filed through the New Orleans Arena doors Monday, many said they were disappointed with the rapper's legal troubles. "It's kinda sad, the stereotype and that he fell into it," said 19-year-old Lee Farrell of New Orleans. Lil Wayne is set to follow some of rap music's biggest names - from Tupac Shakur, Lil' Kim, Beanie Sigel and Shyne to New Orleans natives Mystikal and C-Murder - who have served a few months to several years behind bars for crimes committed after they became famous. (The Canadian Press)

Others compared Wayne's upcoming bid to that of incarcerated rapper T.I.

"I hope Lil Wayne will follow in T.I.'s footsteps," said 32-year-old Jed Wright of Metairie, who brought his 11-year-old stepson to the show as a Christmas present. "T.I. promised to turn his life around. Lil Wayne can do the same thing." "He's very unique," said 18-year-old April Nguyen, of Metairie, La. "He expands his genre, even does rock music, and is constantly reinventing himself." (Billboard)

(FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS DJ WHOO KID) ---- KNOCKS OUT RICK ROSS ,SHANE MOSLEY ,TIGER WOODS and more -GOING IN ON Everyone

Floyd Mayweather called in from Miami to talk with DJ Whoo Kid and the Shade 45 crew last week, and the gloves were on! Listen as the fighting phenom discusses boxing vs. the MMA, the Tiger Woods debacle, Sugar Shane Mosley, his record label and more!

Which sport has the best fans? What is Floyd’s favorite song right now? Which aspiring rapper stole his diamond watch? What will he, 50 Cent and Whoo Kid be doing this New Year’s Eve? Why is Shane Mosley begging to fight Mayweather? How does he feel about haters? How does HBO really feel about champs like Roy Jones, Jr. and Mike Tyson? What advice does he have for Tiger Woods?

Mariah Carey Honored in Capri

Mariah Carey was back on the Italian island of Capri, except this time she wasn’t vacationing. Fresh off their Christmas getaway in Aspen, Mr. and Mrs. Cannon attended the second day of the 14th Annual Capri Hollywood International Film Festival on Monday (Dec. 28). MC received the Capri Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Precious.

John Legend’s 31st Birthday Party

John Legend and girlfriend Christine Teigen weren’t shy, showing PDA at his 31st birthday party at Simyone Lounge in New York City on Monday (Dec. 28). The Grammy winner celebrated with friends including Ludacris, Estelle, Ryan Leslie, and Consequence.