Kwanzaa is a relatively new holiday, but its roots run deep in African tradition by incorporating several different celebrations into one. Experience it for yourself at a Kwanzaa event this month at Central Library.
What is Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration in the U.S. that honors African heritage. It is observed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, ending with gifts and a feast. Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Africana Studies at California State University, created the holiday in 1966 as a way of bringing African-Americans together following the Watts Riots in Los Angeles a year earlier. Kwanzaa implements features from different traditional African celebrations such as those of the Ashanti and Zulu. Celebrations include singing, dancing, storytelling and African drums.
Seven days of Kwanzaa
• Umoja (Unity): to strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.
• Kujichagulia (Self-determination): to be responsible for ourselves and create your own destiny.
• Ujima (Collective work and responsibility): to build and maintain your community together.
• Ujamaa (Collective economics): to build, maintain and support our own stores, establishments and businesses.
• Nia (Purpose): to restore African-American people to their traditional greatness.
• Kuumba (Creativity): using creativity and imagination to make your communities better than what you inherited.
• Imani (Faith): believing in our people, families, educators, leaders and the righteousness of the African-American struggle.
Celebrate Kwanzaa at the library
• When: 5:30-8 p.m. Dec. 26
• Where: Center for Black Literature and Culture, the Atrium and the Learning Curve at Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St.
• What: Spoken word performances, African dancers and drummers, a Kinara (candle) lighting ceremony, Queen Mother procession, musical acts, activities for children, cultural foods and assorted vendors
kwanzaa
