
A Kiswahili word meaning “unity.” Used to highlight the importance of unity and togetherness in the family, community and nation. Umoja is the first of seven principles (Nguzo Saba) celebrated during the Kwanzaa holiday celebration.






Mr. and Mrs. Leigh and Eugenia E. Burton are lifelong residents of Portsmouth VA. This year, they celebrate 50 years of marriage.
Mr. Burton is a graduate of Cradock High School who later attended Tidewater Community College and worked in Civil Services for 32 years. Mrs. Burton is a graduate of I.C. Norcom High School, Tidewater Community College and Old Dominion University, where she studied Interdisciplinary studies, math and science for elementary and middle school students. She worked as an Educator at Olive Branch Pre-School for 24 years.
At Third Baptist Church, where the couple has attended for all 50 years of their marriage, Mr. Burton is a Deacon and Past Deacon chair, and Mrs. Burton is a Deaconess.
Mrs. Burton enjoys writing journals, reading and collecting mugs while Mr. Burton enjoys singing, playing games on his computer and word searches. The first time they danced together was at the Senior Sweethearts on Parade at the Senior Station and they both enjoyed that 1st dance!
What do they like most about the City Of Portsmouth? “Everything!” they said. The Burtons love going out to eat in Portsmouth, adding that there is a lot to see and do in the City that people may not know about, “a lot of hidden gems. We love our City!” In their words, shared from the Wizard of Oz, “There’s No Place Like Home.”