Despite its on-going controversies- Kwanzaa is celebrating its 40th year of African-American heritage
Never heard of Kwanzaa? Don't feel stupid. I did not until 1997 when the US Postal Service first issued a commerative stamp.
Begun, by a black power leader, during the civil rights conflicts that rocked this country during the 60's Kwanzaa has been heralded as an avenue for African-Americans to celebrate their traditions. It has also been called an absolute fraud, a capitalist holiday and Marxist mayhem.
But hey - some people in old Bethlehem didn't want Christmas either.
So here are some facts on Kwanzaa, and you decide.
Its name comes from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanzaa" for "first fruits".
Celebrated for seven days - each day honors a different principle:
Dec 26 umoja (oo-MOH-ja) (Unity)
Dec 27 kujichagulia (koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-yah) (Self determination)
Dec 28 ujima (oo-JEE-mah) (Collective works and responsibility)
Dec 29 ujamaa (oo-JAH-ma) (Cooperative economics)
Dec 30 nia (nee-AH) ( A sense of purpose)
Dec 31 kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) (Creativity)
Jan 01 imani (ee-MAH-nee) (Faith)
A traditional greeting is "Habari Gani" or "What's the news?” and a feast is usually held with family or community members on December 31st. Traditions usually include women wearing brightly colored uwole cloth, lighting the black, red and green kinara candles and drinking from the Unity cup.
Kwanzaa celebrations can be found at the Hayti Heritage Center in Durham NC. Macon, Georgia’s Tubman Museum. The Roots to Fruits Children’s' Natural Health and Cultural Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The Cultural Arts Center in Mount Vernon, Texas, the YMI Cultural Center in Asheville, NC , The S.H.A.P.E. Community Center in Houston, Texas and in Key West, Florida.
Kwanzaa Yenu Iwe Na Heri!
(May your Kwanzaa be one of Happiness, Prosperity, and Goodness)
