BOISE, Idaho — Children will do traditional african dances, elders will be honored, and every event attendee will remember their heritage. This-- at this weekend's sold out Kwanzaa celebration at the Linen Building in Boise.
6 On Your Side spoke with event founder Shari Baber, who is also a salon owner and hairdresser in Boise, and she said this is the first time her Kwanzaa celebration will be held in a public event space after years of hosting it in her living room -- a tradition she said she started about 25 years ago.
"Our first Kwanzaa that we celebrated here in Boise, I had like 50 people and the [Idaho Statesman newspaper staff] at my house, in my living room," said Baber.
She added, "Kwanzaa gives you an opportunity to celebrate the heritage that's from Africa, as well as the growth from America, because we've come a long way since slavery, and so it gives you an opportunity to celebrate the best of what your culture is."
Sunday's banquet will be hosted by Baber's nonprofit Brown Like Me, whose mission is to foster connections among people of color in the Treasure Valley.
Roughly 120 people are slated to attend the event at the Linen Building, who Baber says provided their space for free.
Kwanzaa celebrations revolve around seven core principles, including unity, love, and purpose.
Click here to learn more about Brown Like Me and to get updates on future events they host in the valley.
