Leave it to the arts to communicate the value of community, culture and the arts itself.
A Kwanzaa celebration highlights Family Day at the Tampa Museum of Art, with free admission Saturday, Dec. 8.
Created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa is the African-American celebration of family, community and culture, traditionally observed annually from Dec. 26, through Jan. 1. It's a coming together of family, friends and the community to celebrate African-American cultural heritage, pay tribute to ancestors and reinforce bonds.
Kwanzaa is based on traditional African culture and founded on seven principles, the Nguzo Saba: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith). Their basic symbols are Mazao (the crops), Mkeka (the place mat), Kinara (the candleholder), muhindi (the corn) Mishumaa Saba (the seven candles) Kikombe Cha Umoja (the unity cup) and Zawadi (the gifts).
These concepts and symbols form a value system that builds and strengthens the world African community and sustains African-Americans as a people.
Kwanzaa's principles are fully explained at the celebration, which includes traditional music and dances featuring the Kuumba Dancers and Drummers, storytelling and hands-on arts activities. The festivities begin at 1 p.m., with the Kuumba Dancers and Drummers performing at 2 p.m. and storytelling at 3 p.m.
Also on display at the Museum are the special exhibits Craft is a Verb: Selections from the American Craft Museum and A View into Antiquity.
Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday (extended to 8 p.m. on Thursday) and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Tampa Museum of Art, 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa (813-274-8130).
-Cooper Cruz
This article appears in Dec 6-12, 2001.