New Haven Independent

The young dancer was Imani Johnson, a senior at Hillhouse High School. Creativity naturally marked her performance late Friday afternoon. It also marked the response of the audience of three dozen when the recorded music to which she was dancing — the Christmas classic, “Come All Ye Faithful” — suddenly stopped. Johnson continued her dance in silence without missing a beat. A few seconds later the audience picked up the song and Johnson finished to the live rendition — ujima and kuumba in practice.

Click on the play arrow to watch.

This celebration of Kwanzaa was the fifth annual one sponsored by the Black & Hispanic Caucus of the Board of Aldermen. A half dozen alders were there, including the Hill’s Andrea Jackson-Brooks, who was credited as the moving spirit behind it. Newhallville Alderwoman Katrina Jones, who gave the opening prayer (pictured flanked by her niece, Angelique McDowell, on the left, and her daughter, Kirvanna Jones).

Kwanzaa takes place from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.Asantewa Dawson (pictured) explained a little of the history and the Swahili words used. “Kwanzaa is a reformulation of the African ritual of the first fruits,” she said, “Kwanzaa means first fruits.” It lasts seven days. Dach day is marked by a different principle: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima, Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba, and Imani (faith).

“Our purpose during Kwanzaa is to reconnect to our traditions that were lost throughout time,” Dawson said. “It’s a way of reclaiming your past and strengthening yourself by using your own traditions and your own rituals.” Click here for more information.

She explained the meaning of the different items used in the celebration (pictured). The candles represent the land, the people, and their blood that was shed. (The candles were not allowed to be lit in the atrium of City Hall). The ears of corn represent offspring. Fruit represents the harvest. There’s also a unity cup.

After Dawson’s presentation, Imani Johnson performed to an appreciative audience. Then members of the Ultimate Dance Experience delighted the audience with their “multicultural” moves, which they invented, fusing American, calypso and African dance steps. The high kicks and leaps evoked gasps and cheers.

Despite its founding more than four decades ago by Ron Karenga, Kwanzaa hasn’t really caught on as a private celebration in the homes of African-Americans at this time of year. Katrina Jones said she knows some families who observe it, but mostly it’s done in the public sphere, which is why she’s glad the Black & Hispanic Caucus has taken it up. She said in future years she’d like to see more publicity bring more people in to celebrate. Those who were there were certainly glad they’d come.