YOUNGSTOWN - Kwanzaa has officially kicked off on Friday, December 26, and the festivities are planned throughout the City of Youngstown to celebrate.

The festivities kick off on Friday, December 26, at 6 p.m. at New Bethel Baptist Church and will feature music, dancing and cultural expression. The event will be hosted by Harambee of Youngstown and will feature the Harambee Youth Organization.

On Saturday, December 27, Youngstown Creative Collective Director and Juneteenth Coordinator Joe Napier will be at the East Side Library on Early Road at 2 p.m. 

Guests are encouraged to bring a book to share their stories of self-determination. Books will be available for exchange, and a writing workshop will follow.

Music, dancing and cultural expression will take place once again on Sunday, December 28, this time at the Beulah Baptist Church at 3:30 p.m. This event will feature the Beulah Baptist Youth Department and M.C. Vincent Shivers.

Finally, on Tuesday, December 30, United Returning Citizens on Belmont Avenue will host a screening of the movie "Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome and Systemic Consequences on Youngstown's Black Community" at 6 p.m.

This event is sponsored by United Returning Citizens, the Student Brotherhood Association and Know Thyself African Marketplace.