Rev. Welton Pleasant II, keynote speaker 2018 California Capitol Kwanzaa Celebration

Pastor Welton Pleasant II, President, California State Baptist Convention is our featured guest and keynote speaker at the 20th Anniversary, California State Capitol Kwanzaa Celebration.

Come and tour the California State Capitol and experience a special Kwanzaa Celebration beginning at Noon, Saturday, December 29, 2018, 4th Floor, in the Historic John Burton Room, California State Capitol, as we are honored to welcome Pastor Welton Pleasant II, Christ Second Baptist Church, Long Beach, California, President of the California State Baptist Convention as our special guest and keynote speaker, on the 4th Day of Kwanzaa.

Established in 1966, our “California Grown” Kwanzaa Holiday began as a positive response in the aftermath of the Watts Riots, part of the Modern Civil Rights Movement. Matunda Ya Kwanzaa, is a Swahili phrase that means, “First Fruits of the Harvest.”

Kwanzaa firmly reestablishes our authentic ancient Pan African Agricultural Celebrations, as a spiritual, festive, joyous celebration of the oneness and goodness of life.

Dr. Maulana Karenga, the son of a Maryland Baptist Minister and Black Family Farmer, utilized many familiar faith based traditions of “First Fruits of the Harvest” as the basis of the Pan African Holiday.

Everyone is invited to join us as we prepare for an amazing positive way forward, building on the scripture, Genesis 15:12-14 from the King James Version of the Bible.

Beginning August 1619, a ship of enslaved Africans were kidnapped off the Kwanza River in Angola and then sold at the Virginia Port, near Hampton Roads Harbor documenting 400 years of enslavement and affliction ending August 2019. Today, we honor our elders and ancestors that have paid the price for our journey and prepare for promised abundance.

Today, the State of California is rapidly growing, we are the 5th largest economy on earth. Our broad and deep Agriculture economy anchors many "California Grown" products that enjoy the highest standard in the world. From the Bay Area, Central Valley, Southern California and San Diego the bounty of our Golden State is seen in many leading industries.

Pastor Welton Pleasant II, is well equipped to share his life experiences with global trade and commerce and build upon his special “Green the Church” message, perfect for this special Kwanzaa season.

The California State Baptist Convention is composed of over 300 churches from throughout Northern, Central and Southern California and is the largest black faith based state convention in California. Together, we will share the 7 principles, 7 symbols and 7 days of Kwanzaa beginning in Unity and ending in Faith.

Everyone is invited to join us at the California State Capitol during this very special Kwanzaa Season.