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Kwanzaa: a celebration of African culture
Julie Stagis
Issue date: 12/8/08 Section: News
When it comes to the holiday season, Kwanzaa is always mentioned right alongside Christmas and Hanukkah. But unlike these religious holidays, the meaning behind Kwanzaa is not as well-known.
According to the Official Kwanzaa Web site, "Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday which celebrates family, community and culture."
"The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase 'matunda ya kwanza' which means 'first fruits' in Swahili, a Pan-African language which is the most widely spoken African language," the site states.
It was created by Maulana Karenga, a black scholar and social activist. Karenga is a professor of Africana studies at the California State University at Long Beach.
The holiday occurs from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 every year.
On each of the seven days of Kwanzaa, those who observe light candles to symbolize each of the "Nguzo Saba," or seven principles of Kwanzaa. These include unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
"I don't think it's recognized as much as it should be," said Kim Corredor, a 7th-semester political science and Spanish major. "It's important to celebrate your culture. Like for Latinos we have Hispanic Heritage Month."
The African-American Cultural Center sponsored its 15th annual Kwanzaa celebration Friday in the Student Union Ballroom.
"Kwanzaa is nationally observed Dec. 26, but since we are not in session we collapse it all into one day," said AACC Director Willena Kimpson Price. "We do our candle lighting, and Kwanzaa always includes a feast that you share with people you love, so we collapse it all into one [event]."
In the past, the event has featured a guest speaker. This year's speaker, Farrah Gray, had to be cancelled at the last minute due to budget cuts.
"He is a 24-year-old African-American multimillionaire, which is just like 'Oh my God,'" Price said.
Instead, Price said the students would see video of "interviews that were done, just to give students a sense that that is something they can aspire to," she said before the event. In addition, Price said the event would also feature student performances.
According to the Official Kwanzaa Web site, "Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday which celebrates family, community and culture."
"The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase 'matunda ya kwanza' which means 'first fruits' in Swahili, a Pan-African language which is the most widely spoken African language," the site states.
It was created by Maulana Karenga, a black scholar and social activist. Karenga is a professor of Africana studies at the California State University at Long Beach.
The holiday occurs from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 every year.
On each of the seven days of Kwanzaa, those who observe light candles to symbolize each of the "Nguzo Saba," or seven principles of Kwanzaa. These include unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
"I don't think it's recognized as much as it should be," said Kim Corredor, a 7th-semester political science and Spanish major. "It's important to celebrate your culture. Like for Latinos we have Hispanic Heritage Month."
The African-American Cultural Center sponsored its 15th annual Kwanzaa celebration Friday in the Student Union Ballroom.
"Kwanzaa is nationally observed Dec. 26, but since we are not in session we collapse it all into one day," said AACC Director Willena Kimpson Price. "We do our candle lighting, and Kwanzaa always includes a feast that you share with people you love, so we collapse it all into one [event]."
In the past, the event has featured a guest speaker. This year's speaker, Farrah Gray, had to be cancelled at the last minute due to budget cuts.
"He is a 24-year-old African-American multimillionaire, which is just like 'Oh my God,'" Price said.
Instead, Price said the students would see video of "interviews that were done, just to give students a sense that that is something they can aspire to," she said before the event. In addition, Price said the event would also feature student performances.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Teresa Carder
posted 3/07/09 @ 12:40 AM EST
Yes i agree with you , and nice news thanks. This realy nice news , i watch for them .
Pickle Pacetti
posted 4/17/09 @ 3:38 AM EST
Good and interesting article, thanks!
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