In the spirit of Nguzo Saba, The Turning Point of Lansing’s annual program activities accentuate each principle of Kwanzaa. Each month’s educational activities focus on a different principle of Kwanzaa and the teachings that embody that principle. The annual program also consists of a number of social and service activities to enhance the interaction of the young men. These activities are highlighted by a Kwanzaa program and a Rites of Passage ceremony to celebrate the mid-point and end of program activities, respectively. The general structure of the annual program is as follows:
September (Umoja) – September is highlighted by a program kick off and informational event, where the community is presented with an overview of The Turning Point of Lansing, its staff, and annual programming.
October – (Nia) – Participants are challenged to gain an understanding of their purpose in their communities and society. Education is stressed as an essential tool in preparing participants for their role as active citizens, workers, and heads of household.
November (Kujichagulia) – Participants are challenged to take responsibility for their own destiny and are challenged to motivate themselves to take an active role in ensuring the well-being of their communities.
December – December is highlighted by an annual Kwanzaa program, which serves as a family celebration of the principles that embody Kwanzaa and also to recognize the mid-point successes and transformation of participants.
January (Kuumba) – Participants are challenged to create a new idea or concept to address a community issue. This idea or concept will be presented to the community at large and will be performed as a team building activity to help participants learn to work as a team. Participants are urged to use their own goals and passions to drive this project.
February- (Imani) – Participants are challenged to believe in themselves, their people, teachers, communities, leaders, and the struggle. This theme also focuses on the spiritual aspects of the African American community and how spirituality has always played a major role in the growth of our communities. Participants are challenged to look deep into their spirits to redefine and refocus their purpose.
March – (Ujima) – Participants are challenged to make an impact in the communities via service. Participants are challenged to create community service projects in which they are fully responsible for the implementation.
April – (Ujamaa) – Participants are challenged to learn how the economy works and to be productive citizens in it. Participants also learn the importance of saving, investing, and sharing money.
May –The culmination of the program’s annual activities is a Rites of Passage ceremony, where participants are recognized for their successes and graduating seniors are highlighted for their program matriculation. The ceremony is also symbolic of the graduating seniors moving into manhood.
***Other social and service activities take place from June to August to allow continued interaction with program participants. For more specific information on our annual program, please see our program calendar.