Kwanzaa
Generally, for African-Americans there are two main ways of celebrating the holiday season. The most widely observed is Christmas. Specifically designed for African-Americans by Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga in 1966 was the cultural holiday Kwanzaa. The word ‘kwanzaa’, "is derived from a Swahili word, which means "first" and is part of the phrase Matunda Ya. Kwanzaa (first fruits).’ The additional "a" was added by Dr. Karenga to distinguish the African from the African-American.
Dr. Karenga chose to keep this holiday nonreligous in order for all African-Americans to feel free to celebrate Kwanzaa. Hence, the dates of the celebration are December 26 through January 1. Kwanzaa is not a "black" Christmas because it is not related to any deity. Kwanzaa has Seven Basic Symbols. They are Mazaao (Crops), Mkeka (Mat), Kinara (Candle holder), Vibunzi (Ears of corn), Zawadi (Gifts), Kikambe Cha Umoja (Unity cup), and Mishumaa Saba (Seven candles). Also, Kwanzaa has Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba), which are celebrated on each of the seven days of the celebration. Karenga defined these principles as the following:
1. UMOJA [oo-MO-juh] (Unity) To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.
2. KUJICHAGULIA [koo-gee-CHOCK-uh-lee-ya] (Self-determination)
[3. UJIMA (OO-GEE-MAH) Collective Work and Responsibility
Here on UGA campus, there are faculty and students who celebrate Kwanzaa. Dr. Layli Phillips, Assistant Professor of Psychology and the Institute for African-American Studies, celebrates Kwanzaa with her two children. She has never celebrated Christmans because she is of the Baha’i faith. She took an interest in Kwanzaa on her own. "We have gradually been trying to acquire the various things we need to celebrate Kwanzaa in [a] full-fledged way. Primarily, we’ve been dealing with it in the terms of education. We celebrate it with social events and gatherings, I hope to have a ceremonial dinner in the near future." Dr. Phillips differs from mainstream America because she is anti-commercial. She feels celebrating Kwanzaa is anti-commercial within itself. "The thing I like most about [Kwanzaa] is that it is a time to focus on social values and a time for my children to connect with family and heritage. It is a very good educational opportunity to discuss the use of rituals as symbols to reinforce values."
Steve Jones, a senior psychology major, has celebrated Kwanzaa in the past with his family. He says, "It’s not parallel to Christmas. We stress the importance of family. We make gifts to give on creativity night to exchange."
Students have different ways of focusing on Kwanzaa. Some only know
a little and others are interested in celebrating; however, they are unsure
of what to do. Nonetheless, certain freshmen have those problems under
control. Kermit Walker, a freshman business major states, "I learned Kwanzaa
through my friends. Each year I learn a little bit more from them. I’ve
learned about [Kwanzaa] in church and the meaning of the candle lighting
ceremony." Kwaku Agyekum, Freshman Pre-med/Biology major, says, "My grandmother
gives me handmade gifts, and my father speaks on Kwanzaa in the city of
Savannah."
UGA Kross Kulture Newsletter, 1998
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