DAVID SEPULVEDA PHOTO
In a 2012 National Public Radio interview with host Michael Martin, Duke University’s Mark Anthony Neal, a professor of African American studies, discussed whether Kwanzaa is less important to African-American culture now than in the 1980s and ‘90s. “Is Kwanzaa still a thing?” the host wanted to know.
At Kwanzaa’s opening night festivities held in the atrium of New Haven City Hall Friday night, the answer was yes.
Sponsored for the 10th year by the Board of Alder’s Black and Hispanic Caucus, the event included a libation ceremony with former Alder Nathan Joyner, readings of the seven Kwanzaa principles and candle lighting by New Haven Youth Department.
Several a capella songs by Larry Wingate gave Master of Ceremony and Chairperson of the Black & Hispanic Caucus Dolores Colon an opportunity to inject a moment of levity into the otherwise formal proceedings. “It’s voices like that that make an old lady sweat” she said, a remark that was met with a burst of laughter.
With the crowd lining the walls, filling the center stairwell and atrium recesses, Mayor Toni Harp spoke briefly about the importance of observing the seven Kwanzaa principles: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self determination), Ujima, (Collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith). “If the people of our city really thought about the principles of Kwanzaa, we wouldn’t have to worry about issues of safety, economic development, domestic and other kinds of violence that plague our city,” the mayor stated.
Burnishing the mayor’s point was keynote speaker, the Rev. Dr. Frederick J. Streets of the Dixwell Avenue Congregational United Church of Christ, who said that Kwanzaa values “have to be taught in our homes, and communities, and must be practiced by each generation of African Americans.” The reverend pointed to a need for “a new and massive campaign to remind us of our beauty, to remind us of our creativity, and to remind us of our genius.”
Rev. Streets also sounded a cautionary note about degrading images that work at cross-purposes with the values of Kwanzaa: “ We must not tolerate any depiction of us, our culture, our art, our music, our sexuality, and our gender, by anyone, black or white, in any media form that does not honor and celebrate our worth.”
Created in 1965 by black nationalist leader Maulana Karenga, the holiday aims to help instill cultural pride and connectedness of African Americans. It embraces the ideology of Pan Africanism, the belief that unity is essential in building economic, social, political and spiritual progress. The belief also holds that all Africans and those of African ancestry share a common history, along with the values that will guide their destiny.
Elements and symbols of the Kwanzaa ritual were all evident at the City Hall ceremony: A decorative mat bearing harvested crops, the candelabra and seven candles, the libation cup, gifts, a poster of the seven principles, and a black, red, and green flag.
Most important were the people who gathered to honor the spirit of the holiday.
Helping to celebrate the start of Kwanzaa was the Hamden Academy of Dance & Music-Ultimate Dance Experience, which demonstrated great dancing versatility with graceful …
… and athletic confidence.
African drumming and dance was led by Kendrick Baker and members of Djrum Worxs of Hamden, whose sounds helped lift spirits with resonating beats and rhythms.
Members of the audience were invited to join in the spirited dancing. Many accepted the call with exuberant personal expression.
After the benediction, food and refreshments were served up in an adjoining room by Cast Iron Soul restaurant.
The following day, the Community Kwanzaa Association of New Haven held its sixth annual community wide celebration at the Courtland Wilson Library on Washington Avenue, with a theme of renewal that seemed to be a universal focus this year: “Rekindling Kwanzaa Principles.”
How can black politicians celebrate any of the kwanzaa principles,When they have sold out all seven kwanzaa principles.