KEEPING THE FAITH | Kwanzaa is a celebration of unity and pride
Kwanzaa can be fully appreciated by other communities similar to St. Patrick’s Day for the Irish and Cinco de Mayo for the Mexican community. I hope you will consider witnessing the beauty of the Kwanzaa public gathering when circumstances allow it again.
The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted many holy day celebrations, resulting in the adjustments of practices and traditions of these experiences.
Yet, these challenges have actually added value and meaning to the special occurrences. The upcoming seven-day celebration of Kwanzaa is no exception.
Historically, the opening ceremony has been hosted by New Bethel Baptist Church. This year, however, the opening night will be a virtual experience on Saturday Dec. 26 at 5 p.m. via the church’s Facebook Live page.
Families are encouraged to celebrate at home conveying an appreciation for cultural heritage, affirming community-building values and actualizing a vision for the coming New Year.
Kwanzaa, created in 1966, was introduced by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach. After the Watts riots in Los Angeles, Dr. Karenga pursued traditions to bring African Americans together as a community.
He founded the African America “first fruit” harvest celebrations by incorporating aspects of several native African harvest celebrations as the foundation of Kwanzaa. It is a celebration steeped with symbolism to foster pride. It is intended to be a proactive approach of personal development and corporate empowerment.
The Youngstown community has recognized Kwanzaa since 1968 when it was presented by Youngstown native Dr. Ron Daniels. Today, the Harambee Youth Organization, led by Ron and Lynnette Miller, continues to coordinate the local public events. The Millers have been stalwarts to ensure Kwanzaa’s longevity by engaging area youth and their families.
The Afrocentric observance seeks to promote self-worth, preserve culture and promote unity. Although Kwanzaa is an American holiday experience, it is now recognized and worldwide. The cultural enrichment and enlightenment is not limited to people of color. It is an opportunity to foster an appreciation and understanding of the African American experience.
Kwanzaa can be fully appreciated by other communities similar to St. Patrick’s Day for the Irish and Cinco de Mayo for the Mexican community. Cultural festivals are awesome opportunities to immerse yourself in varied cultural experiences. The Mahoning Valley is rich with ethnic festivals that recognize the heritages of Italians, Greeks, Slovaks and the German’s Oktoberfest.
I hope you will consider witnessing the beauty of the Kwanzaa public gathering when circumstances allow it again.
Kwanzaa is a call for solidarity as each family celebrates in its own way which often includes songs and dances, storytelling, poetry reading and a large traditional meal. On each of the seven nights, the family gathers and a child lights one of the candles on the Kinara which is a candleholder, then one of the seven principles is discussed.
The principles, called the Nguzo Saba, in Swahili, are values and ideals of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing community among African-Americans. Kwanzaa also has seven basic symbols representing concepts reflective of African culture. These principles serve as a guide to acknowledge the Creator, identify barriers, develop a plan of action, which enriches one’s life and benefits all of God’s people. Unity is a resounding theme throughout this social celebration.
Although Kwanzaa is not a religious but rather a cultural observance, the values nevertheless can be referenced and supported in sacred text. Even the numeral “seven” which biblically means “complete” is rich in symbolism suggesting order and an expected end.
In Scripture, seven often symbolized completion or perfection. Genesis tells us that God created the heavens and the Earth in six days, and, upon completion, God rested on the seventh day.
The lighting of a candle provides the opportunity for participants to illuminate and expound upon the meaning of Kwanzaa. These principles should be embodied throughout the upcoming year. To further promote understanding of Kwanzaa, I am aligning the daily principles, the essence of each day along with supporting biblical references.
UMOJA/UNITY: Dec. 26
The first candle: Pay tribute to the unity that is the foundation of the family and the community. We strive for and maintain unity in the family, community and race.
Ephesians 4:1-5 “…walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism”
KUJICHAGULIA/SELF-DETERMINATION: Dec. 27
The second candle: Honor our identity, heritage and value. To define ourselves, name ourselves, create ourselves and speak for ourselves instead of being defined, created and spoken for by others.
Philippians 3:14 “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
UJIMA/COLLECTIVE WORK AND RESPONSIBILITY: Dec. 28
The third candle: Reaffirm the traditional values of generosity and cooperation, pledging to solve problems together for the good of the community.
John 9:4 “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.”
UJAMAA/COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS: Dec. 29
The fourth candle: Recommit ourselves to supporting and building our own shops, stores, businesses and enterprises.
Acts 2: 44-45 “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
NIA/PURPOSE: Dec. 30
The fifth candle: Rededicate ourselves to preserving and appreciating our proud heritage, passing the same dedication on to future generations.
Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
KUUMBA/CREATIVITY: Dec. 31
The sixth candle: Learn how to use our talents, imagination and creativity to bring harmony and beauty to our community.
II Timothy 1:6-7 “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
IMANI/FAITH: Jan. 1
The seventh candle: Believing we can transcend and transform our difficulties with thoughtful action, sustaining the eternal hope that no matter where we travel we are never alone.
Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
It is my hope that you are inspired, or at least curious, to explore how the Kwanzaa experience promotes quality of life and living. In light of the events of 2021, it appears the principles of Kwanzaa are even more relevant. As the great hymn of the Church declares, “We’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord. Trusting in His Holy Word, He’s never failed us yet!” So don’t turn around, keep pressing your way and keep the faith.
— The Rev. Lewis W. Macklin II serves as the lead pastor of Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, chaplain for the Youngstown Police Department and local coordinator for the African American Male Wellness Walk of the Mahoning Valley. He resides in Youngstown with Dorothy, his partner in marriage and ministry. They share the love and joy of six children and seven grandchildren.
— All biblical citations are New King James Translation unless noted otherwise.
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