Kwanzaa 2024 - Program (1)

Sunday, December 29, 2024 | 2:30PM

Hotel NOMA | New Rochelle, NY

Kwanzaa is a celebration that honors the African hertiage in African-American culture and is observed from December 26 to January 1, culminating a feast and gift-giving. Kwanzaa has seven core principles (Nguzo Saba) and celebrates family, community, and culture. It was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chair of the Department of Black Studies at California State University. It was first celebrated in 1966.

Opening, Welcome & Introduction of MC

TBD

Greetings

Dr. Cheryl Brannan,

STSI Founder

Kwanzaa Prayer

TBD

Community Greetings

Elected Officials

New Board Members swearing in TBD

Dinner Served & Spotlight Vendors

FAMILY, COMMUNITY, AND CULTURE

Pouring Libation – Connecting with the Ancestors

Dr. Cheryl Brannan

Candle Lighting Ceremony:

Program Wrap-up & Thank you

TBD

Founded in 1994 by Cheryl Brannan and her family, Sister to Sister International, Inc. (STSI) is a nonprofit, nongovernmental 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization with a singular focus: to educate and advocate for the advancement of Black women, women of color, girls, and their families locally and globally. Headquartered in Yonkers, NY one of the most densely populated cities in Westchester County with a majority-minority population including numerous communities of color STSI works to empower those it serves and ensure their safety, rights, and well-being

Locally, our program effort is anchored by our groundbreaking STEM and STEAM offerings where middle and high school girls are introduced to the world of science and math through a cultural lens, including advance introduction to these subjects by accomplished professionals that serve as role models This ultimately enhances their self-confidence and competency, as well as, life and career choices. In 2010 STSI offered the first ever STEM/STEAM summer camp in the Lower Hudson Valley New York region for Black and Brown Girls. This has since matured into a highly acclaimed year-round academy.

The program has had a life altering impact on the outlook of over 1,000 girls and their families. Globally, STSI has held Special Consultative Status with the United Nations since 2004. There, we co-host an annual United Nations Commission on the Status of Women global event

Recently, in 2019 STSI undertook a seminal research project, “Still I Rise: Status of Black Women and Girls in Westchester County” to better understand the scope of the issues facing Black women and girls in Westchester County

The research was driven by four pillars of inquiry that have led to a report and the creation of collective impact workgroups with diverse stakeholders including business, government, community, academic and faithbased organizations.

January 31 - February 1, 2025

Board of Directors Retreat

February 23-27, 2025

Double Good Popcorn Fundraiser

March 15, 2025

Day of Action

STEAM Camp

June 30 - July 11, 2025

Family & Friends Picnic & STEAM Camp Graduation

July 12, 2025

Kwanzaa Celebration December 2025

Principles of Kwanzaa

1. Umoja (Unity) To strive toward unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

2. Kujichagulia (Self-determination) To define, name, create and speak for ourselves.

3. Ujima (Collective work & responsibility) To build our community and each other together.

4. Ujamaa (Cooperative economics) To build and maintain our own businesses and profit together.

5. Nia (Purpose) To build and develop our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness

6. Kuumba (Creativity) To always do as much as we can, in our own way to leave our community better.

7. Imani (Faith) To believe with all our heart in our parents, teachers, leaders and people and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

Special Thanks to our 2023 Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration Committee: Germaine Scott, Ghia Clark, Tsahai Amazan, Deana Nelson, Georgia Reid-Douglas, Athena Dent-Alleyne, Charmaine Golding, Dr Marcia Keiz and Lauren Williams;

Please support our vendors by making a purchase today and check out our online Black Business Directory at https://www.s2si.org/stsi-blackbusinessdirectory” s2si.org ~

Yonkers, NY 10703 ~ 914-207-0368

STSIMEMBERSHIP STSIMEMBERSHIP

Members are the life force of Sister to Sister International, Inc. and as such are relied upon to make the organization successful in attaining its mission and strategic objectives We invite new members to join us and “Catch the Spirit!” STSI implements its mission-driven programs and signature activities through volunteer committee members. Our programs and activities are produced throughout the year, along with quarterly “themed” membership meetings.