Today, Friday, Dec. 26, marks the first day of Kwanzaa, a seven-day celebration during which families and communities focus on a different principle at the root of African culture.
On the first day, the focus is on umoja, or unity of family, community, nation and race. Umoja inspires people to join together in solidarity and celebrate oneness and pride in African heritage. It speaks to the need to enlarge the circle and build community.
This principle is beautifully embodied by the Farragut Houses community, which sits on the border of the Brooklyn Navy Yard and Downtown Brooklyn. In this public housing development, residents and local leaders have built spaces for connection, support and celebration inside and beyond their homes. Farragut Houses itself is part of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), serving thousands of families in 10 buildings near the Brooklyn Navy Yard and has historically been a hub of community life, resources and collaborative neighborhood organizing.
Through events like the Women’s Herstory Month Luncheon, which in 2025 brought together more than 185 women from the community with artists and cultural figures to celebrate sisterhood, success, and Brooklyn girl magic, Farragut stakeholders cultivate uplifting communal spaces that center local voices and stories.
The group also runs ongoing youth and adult programming, from mentoring and basketball initiatives to health and fitness sessions that promote connection, learning and wellness among residents. These efforts mirror the belief held by co-organizers and residents that strong communities are built through shared experiences and mutual support.
The residents of Farragut Houses embody this ethos year-round, reminding us that unity and collaboration are essential for personal and communal growth.
Read more about this on BK Reader.
Beginning on December 26, and for the seven days of Kwanzaa, BK Reader will feature a different local resident or organization that exemplifies one of the seven principles!
