Kwanzaa is coming to a close, and if you haven't made an effort to recognize the holiday, or if you just don't know that much about it, please read on.Kwanzaa is an African-American celebration that focuses on traditional African values like family, community responsibility, commerce and self-improvement. It is important to note that Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday, not a political or religious one, and despite some widespread misconceptions, is not a substitute for Christmas. It's simply a time of reaffirming the African-American people, their ancestors and their culture.
Kwanzaa — meaning "first fruits of the harvest" in Kiswahili — was founded in 1966 by professor/author/scholar/activist Dr. Maulana Karenga, and is celebrated from Dec. 26 through Jan. 2. It's based on the Nguzo Saba (seven guiding principles), one for each day of observance: Umoja (unity); Kujichagulia (self-determination); Ujima (collective work and responsibility); Ujamaa (cooperative economics); Nia (purpose); Kuumba (creativity); and Imani (faith).
As for Kwanzaa gift giving, Kuumba is highly encouraged. The idea is, a Kuumba gift allows for a sense of personal fulfillment in the gift-giving process, thereby enabling both the giver and giftee to thoroughly enjoy the holiday. Aside from that tip, everything I've read says Kwanzaa gifts should be affordable and of an educational or artistic nature. Gifts are traditionally exchanged between parents and children on Jan. 1, the final day of Kwanzaa, but really, the exchange can pretty much occur at any time.
The Kwanzaa Karumu (feast) is traditionally held on Dec. 31. It's a special communal and cooperative effort, with guests providing a dish or a helping hand. Prior to and during the feast, a special program is presented that (again, traditionally) involves some sort of welcoming, remembering, reassessment, recommitment and rejoicing of the culture, concluded by a farewell statement and a call for greater unity.
Locally, there's a Kwanzaa celebration at the Enoch Davis Center (1111 18th Ave. S., St. Petersburg) from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 1, so you won't have to worry about missing out on your New Year's Eve plans. The public is invited to come and celebrate Imani, the seventh principle of Kwanzaa. Guests should bring a covered dish along with friends and family to this free event. For more information, call 727-893-7134.
This article appears in Dec 29, 2004 – Jan 4, 2005.
