By Susan Lin
A non-religious, African-American celebration lasting from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, Kwanzaa was founded in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, who is currently a professor at California State University. Karenga holds two Ph.D.s, one in political science and one in ethics.
"Karenga looked at the holiday structure as it existed then, and not one of them dealt with African American history, aspirations or struggles. So as we were defining ourselves in the sixties, it was necessary that a holiday be instituted that speaks to our unique heritage and struggle in America," said Willie Houston, director of the African American Museum of Nassau County in Hempstead.
Houston will be hosting a Kwanzaa celebration, one of the several this year on Long Island, at the African American Museum from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 30. The event is free and open to all.
Get there early, though. For the past several years, this Kwanzaa celebration has been a standing-room only event. To be able to sit on one of the 475 chairs set out, arrive particularly early.
Newbies to Kwanzaa can learn much about the holiday at the celebration. "The purpose of Kwanzaa is to celebrate family, self, community and nation," said Houston. During Kwanzaa, observers gather and reflect on seven principles, focusing on one for each day of the holiday. The principles are Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (economic cooperation), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).
Because these principles for living are universal for the most part, many people can join in the celebration of Kwanzaa.
Visitors to the museum will see Houston light the seven candles in a kinara, a candleholder that resembles a menorah. Each candle symbolizes one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
In a home celebration, a family member would light only one candle for each day of the holiday, but at the community celebration, Houston will light all seven at one time.
Before and after the candlelighting ceremony, visitors can enjoy live entertainment: A local troupe Xenzeta Vision Dancing will perform African step dances. Lionel Panama Gillenwater from Hempstead will play African drums, and Genevieve Morales from Westbury will recite poetry.
Kwanzaa is non-religious, but the ceremony with also include Christian-themed performances. "Gospel is part of African American culture," said Houston.
During the festival, a dance troupe from Freeport, Lil' Love, will perform praise dances, and Lena Ferguson from Roosevelt will sing gospel.
At the end of the program, facilitators will hand out fruits including apples, oranges and bananas. "They symbolize an abundant harvest," said Houston.
While the Kwanzaa celebration at the African American Museum allows observers to reflect on the principles of Kwanzaa with community members, Houston said the holiday should also be celebrated in families.
"At the home setting, each day you light a candle. You talk about anything that comes to mind about Africa, and you share them with your family. You also talk about the meaning of the principle, and you should be able to explain it in terms of what it means to you as an individual, as a member of a community, and as a member of a nation," said Houston, who will be also be celebrating Kwanzaa with his family in Hempstead.
The first candle that is lit in the kinara is the black candle, symbolizing Umoja, or unity. On Umoja, Houston gives an example of what people might say. "We're all talking right now, 'united we stand' even though we have some differences," he said.
"It's from the family structure that we [African Americans] are going to move forward into the future, and I think Kwanzaa plays a key role in that," said Houston.
At a Glance
Kwanzaa celebration
2 - 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 30
African American Museum
of Nassau County
110 N. Franklin St., Hempstead
(516) 572-0730
with candlelighting ceremony,
African step-dancing and drumming,
gospel music and dance, poetry readings,
and other live entertainment
Free
