adminThe Rhodesia Herald, December 27, 1977
OAKLAND (CA). – Many blacks across the United States yesterday began to celebrate the seven-day festival of Kwanza, an Afro-American holiday begun here in the 1960s to recall traditional African harvest festivities.
Kwanza, a Swahili word meaning ‘first fruits’, was observed each year from December 26 until January 1, said Mr Wilie Thompson, a sociology instructor at the San Francisco City College.
Mr Thompson (42) said he observed Kwanza because it was a celebration which paid homage to his African roots, Iana-AP reports.
“I was searching for a set of values for myself and my family which were consistent with African heritage and that centred around children and adults doing things together,” he said.
Mr Thompson, who has one son, said some black families had become disillusioned with Christmas because they felt it had a buy-and sell atmosphere”.
“Many black families simply cannot afford the kind of Christmas this society celebrates,” he added.
Some blacks who observed Kwanza ignored Christmas celebrations altogether, while others celebrated both he said. Mr Thompson could not estimate how many blacks celebrated Kwanza.
Celebrations planned this year included festivities at the Museum of African Art in Washington, DC, and a US$50 a head dinner dance headlined by comedian Red Fox and musician Gil Scott-Heron to raise money for poor families.
Kwanza was not simply a “black Christmas”, but had values of its own, he said. Candles lit over the first six nights of Kwanza by the eldest member of a household represented the principles of unity, self-determination, co-operative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration that honours African heritage in African-American culture. The holiday is observed from December 26 to January 1 each year, culminating in a feast known as Karamu on the sixth day.
The origins of Kwanzaa are rooted in traditional African harvest festivals, which celebrate the first fruits of the season.
The name “Kwanzaa” comes from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” meaning “first fruits.”
It was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966 as a response to the cultural and social upheaval of the time, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement.
Dr. Karenga aimed to provide African Americans with an opportunity to reconnect with their African roots and cultural heritage, fostering unity and community among people of African descent.
Kwanzaa is built around seven core principles known as the Nguzo Saba: Moja (unity); Kujichagulia (self-determination); Ujima (collective work and responsibility); Ujamaa (cooperative economics); Nia (purpose); Kuumba (creativity); and, Imani (faith).
Kwanzaa serves not only as a celebration but also as a reminder of the importance of cultural identity among African Americans. It encourages individuals to reflect on their heritage while promoting values that strengthen community bonds.
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