KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Families gathered inside the Emporium on Sunday for the Kwanzaa Expo, an event blending music, food and cultural education with a larger purpose.
Proceeds from the fundraiser support Drums Up Guns Down, a local initiative that uses music and dance to give young adults positive outlets and alternatives to violence.
‘Most intense we’ve seen’: Hurricane Helene debris lingers in Nolichucky River one year on
“We’re pretty aware of the violence that the youth can get into, and we have had an unfortunate situation with one of the ensemble members,” said Zakiyyah Modeste, an event organizer. “And not to dwell on the negative but to reinforce the positive, I thought this was a great time to reinforce their narrative of anti-violence so that they can put their hands to a tool that can help give them sustenance.”
This year’s expo also highlighted Ujima, one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa centered on collective work and responsibility; a message organizers say aligns closely with the mission behind Drums Up Guns Down, focusing on community involvement and shared accountability…