Durham, NC. - St. Joseph’s Historic Foundation, Inc. year-round Heritage Arts for Youth Program (HAFY) will celebrate the spirit of Kwanzaa on Tuesday morning December 2nd at 10:30 AM featuring internationally acclaimed Chuck Davis and the African American Dance Ensemble (AADE). Durham is fortunate to have this widely sought after professional dance company. Annually St. Joseph’s and AADE partner to present the principals of Kwanzaa to the community especially for our young people.

Geared for all ages, the HAFY program traditionally targets the underserved populations grades K-12. The residency program is offered as a resource to educate and inspire future artists and local youths. Carefully selected artists provide outreach in the community and “in-house” programming at the Hayti Heritage Center to children with limited or no access to arts programming.

This 45 minute mini concert will be interactive, hands on, lively and full of dance, songs and music. Tickets are $5 for students, teachers and chaperons admitted free with group. They are available now and reservations are being accepted for groups to attend, call (919) 683-1709 ext. 21.

Kwanzaa is an African American holiday celebrated from December 26 through January 1. It is based on the agricultural celebration of Africa called “the first fruits” celebrations, which celebrate the times of harvest, gathering, reverence, commemoration of the past, recommitment to cultural ideals and celebration of the good.

Kwanzaa is celebrated by millions of people of African descent through out the world African community. As a cultural holiday, Africans practice it from all religions, traditions, all classes, all ages and generations, and all political persuasions on the common ground of their African ness in all its historical and cultural diversity and unity.

This program is sponsored by St. Joseph’s Historic Foundation and funded in part by the City of Durham and North Carolina Arts Council, a state agency and National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.