Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration beginning on Dec. 26 but this time, the occasion is different than in past years. This Kwanzaa, we have a black man in the White House.
Kwanzaa, which was first observed more than 40 years ago and is often mistakenly called the "Black Christmas," is undeniably about race. But it is also about cultural heritage, as it recalls the fact that millions of Americans came to this country from Africa as slaves.
The word "Kwanzaa" itself means "first fruits" in Swahili. It has seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
During this year's celebration, which runs through Jan. 1, we will try to honor those principles, since they are still relevant. We are not yet in a post-racial world. Professor Cornel West has it right: Race does still matter.
You can see it reflected in the unemployment numbers and in the foreclosure statistics. It's still harder to get a job or rent an apartment if you're black, even if your qualifications are the same. And blacks are arrested more often, convicted more often and incarcerated for longer periods of time than whites accused of the same crimes.
But Kwanzaa is not just a black holiday. Many of its principles are universal. Take "creativity." Here is the official Kwanzaa explanation of this principle: "To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it." That is something we all can get behind.
Happy Kwanzaa.
Showing posts with label Kwanzaa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kwanzaa. Show all posts
Monday, December 28, 2009
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Kwanzaa turns 40, remains misunderstood holiday
by Akilah Monifa
I celebrate Kwanzaa, a holiday that honors family, community and culture. My family and I have done so for years. But five years after Sept. 11, in this climate of religious and cultural intolerance in America, I can sympathize with Muslims here who feel like outsiders.Many white Americans are suspicious and fearful of Kwanzaa. Like other holidays that are celebrated predominantly by people of color -- such as Ramadan, Juneteenth, Holi, Hispanic Heritage Month -- Kwanzaa ought to be an opportunity for those who are unfamiliar with it to learn more.It is a seven-day, Pan-African, secular holiday that has cultural roots. Because of its Swahili name and because it begins the day after Christmas, many folks think Kwanzaa is a religious holiday. Many refer to it as the "black Christmas."Its origins are from the civil rights movement of the 1960s. But because of founder Ron Karenga's former ties to the United Slaves Organization, a black nationalist group, Kwanzaa is constantly attacked for being separatist and black nationalist.It is neither.Over the years, there have been quite a few non-African-Americans present at our gatherings, and the atmosphere has been celebratory. People who are not of African descent are happy to be included because they often have family members or friends who participate.Kwanzaa's seven principles -- of unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith -- are ones that many people, irrespective of background, can appreciate.Millions of people, regardless of race or religion, now celebrate Kwanzaa worldwide. But even as our communities become increasingly multicultural and cross-cultural, acceptance has diminished for those who don't follow mainstream traditions around this time of year.In the age of terror, we would all benefit to learn more about one another, and to embody Kwanzaa's ideals of happiness, unity and peace.Akilah Monifa is a freelance writer living in Oakland, Calif. She can be reached at pmproj@progressive.org.
I celebrate Kwanzaa, a holiday that honors family, community and culture. My family and I have done so for years. But five years after Sept. 11, in this climate of religious and cultural intolerance in America, I can sympathize with Muslims here who feel like outsiders.Many white Americans are suspicious and fearful of Kwanzaa. Like other holidays that are celebrated predominantly by people of color -- such as Ramadan, Juneteenth, Holi, Hispanic Heritage Month -- Kwanzaa ought to be an opportunity for those who are unfamiliar with it to learn more.It is a seven-day, Pan-African, secular holiday that has cultural roots. Because of its Swahili name and because it begins the day after Christmas, many folks think Kwanzaa is a religious holiday. Many refer to it as the "black Christmas."Its origins are from the civil rights movement of the 1960s. But because of founder Ron Karenga's former ties to the United Slaves Organization, a black nationalist group, Kwanzaa is constantly attacked for being separatist and black nationalist.It is neither.Over the years, there have been quite a few non-African-Americans present at our gatherings, and the atmosphere has been celebratory. People who are not of African descent are happy to be included because they often have family members or friends who participate.Kwanzaa's seven principles -- of unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith -- are ones that many people, irrespective of background, can appreciate.Millions of people, regardless of race or religion, now celebrate Kwanzaa worldwide. But even as our communities become increasingly multicultural and cross-cultural, acceptance has diminished for those who don't follow mainstream traditions around this time of year.In the age of terror, we would all benefit to learn more about one another, and to embody Kwanzaa's ideals of happiness, unity and peace.Akilah Monifa is a freelance writer living in Oakland, Calif. She can be reached at pmproj@progressive.org.
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Kwanzaa beyond the myths
By Akilah Monifa
Many misconceptions persist about Kwanzaa, which runs from Dec. 26 until Jan. 1.
Unlike many other holidays, Kwanzaa is solely cultural, not religious. Founded by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, it celebrates African-American heritage, family, community and culture based on the rituals of African harvest festivals. The name Kwanzaa means "first fruits" in Swahili. And like most holidays, plenty of talking, singing and eating are involved.
The seven-day holiday has a different principle for each day, which is represented by the Kwanzaa kinara, or candleholder. The first principle is "Umoja," or unity, and the last one is "Imani," or faith.
Many myths still surround the holiday:
Myth 1: Kwanzaa is a "Black Christmas," and folks who celebrate it don't also celebrate Christmas.
Reality: Kwanzaa has nothing to do with Christmas. It's not religious and, as in our family, some folks celebrate Kwanzaa as well as other holidays, including Hanukkah.
Myth 2: Celebrating Kwanzaa is tantamount to supporting black nationalism or separatism.
Reality: None of Kwanzaa's principles calls for nationalism or separatism. This myth probably originated because Karenga, who is a professor and chairman of black studies at California State University at Long Beach, was a militant activist in the 1960s.
Myth 3: Only black people can celebrate Kwanzaa.
Reality: In my experience, I have not seen a Kwanzaa celebration with only black people, and I have never heard of non-black folks being excluded from the celebration. As our society becomes increasingly racially and ethnically diverse, more and more of us have diverse backgrounds and families. The focus of the holiday is to create and respect community among African-Americans, but everyone -- of all backgrounds -- is welcome to share in this celebration.
Myth 4: One has to celebrate all seven days of Kwanzaa.
Reality: Much like Hanukkah, I know of few folks who do full-fledged celebrations of Kwanzaa for all seven days.
My family and I will celebrate several holidays this season, and we hope to embrace the principles of each throughout these next few weeks.
It is not important which holidays we celebrate.
The key is to embody the message of peace, unity and happiness.
Many misconceptions persist about Kwanzaa, which runs from Dec. 26 until Jan. 1.
Unlike many other holidays, Kwanzaa is solely cultural, not religious. Founded by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, it celebrates African-American heritage, family, community and culture based on the rituals of African harvest festivals. The name Kwanzaa means "first fruits" in Swahili. And like most holidays, plenty of talking, singing and eating are involved.
The seven-day holiday has a different principle for each day, which is represented by the Kwanzaa kinara, or candleholder. The first principle is "Umoja," or unity, and the last one is "Imani," or faith.
Many myths still surround the holiday:
Myth 1: Kwanzaa is a "Black Christmas," and folks who celebrate it don't also celebrate Christmas.
Reality: Kwanzaa has nothing to do with Christmas. It's not religious and, as in our family, some folks celebrate Kwanzaa as well as other holidays, including Hanukkah.
Myth 2: Celebrating Kwanzaa is tantamount to supporting black nationalism or separatism.
Reality: None of Kwanzaa's principles calls for nationalism or separatism. This myth probably originated because Karenga, who is a professor and chairman of black studies at California State University at Long Beach, was a militant activist in the 1960s.
Myth 3: Only black people can celebrate Kwanzaa.
Reality: In my experience, I have not seen a Kwanzaa celebration with only black people, and I have never heard of non-black folks being excluded from the celebration. As our society becomes increasingly racially and ethnically diverse, more and more of us have diverse backgrounds and families. The focus of the holiday is to create and respect community among African-Americans, but everyone -- of all backgrounds -- is welcome to share in this celebration.
Myth 4: One has to celebrate all seven days of Kwanzaa.
Reality: Much like Hanukkah, I know of few folks who do full-fledged celebrations of Kwanzaa for all seven days.
My family and I will celebrate several holidays this season, and we hope to embrace the principles of each throughout these next few weeks.
It is not important which holidays we celebrate.
The key is to embody the message of peace, unity and happiness.
Friday, December 25, 1998
KWANZAA: IT'S NOT ABOUT CHRISTMAS
By Akilah Monifa
Many questions surround Kwanzaa, a holiday celebrating the roots of African-American history. Here are some answers.
10. Kwanzaa. Isn't that the African-American Christmas?
A lot of people assume that Kwanzaa was intended to replace Christmas. But the celebration has nothing to do with Christmas. Its purpose is to promote unity among African-Americans, as well as an understanding of our cultural roots. It was started in 1966 by Dr. Maulena Karenga, professor and chairman of black studies at California State University at Long Beach. The holiday is based on the cultures of Yorubas, Ibos, Ashantis, Zulus and other African tribes.
9. How long is Kwanzaa?
The celebration runs for seven days, from December 26 to January 1, and focuses on one principle each day: unity, self-determination, collective work, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
8. What religion do you have to be to celebrate Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday. It is celebrated by people of many faiths, as well as those who do not embrace any religion.
7. Why do people celebrate Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is sometimes criticized because it is a new holiday and lacks the historic roots of Hanukkah and Christmas, two prominent December holidays. But African-Americans' history in this country is relatively short--particularly our history as a free people. People celebrate Kwanzaa for a variety of reasons: to pay homage to our ancestors, for hope and faith, and for renewal and pride.
6. Doesn't Kwanzaa use a menorah or candelabrum?
A kinara (seven-branched candleholder) is used in Kwanzaa celebrations. Some confuse it with a menorah, which is used in Hanukkah celebrations. "Candelabrum" is a generic name for a branched candlestick. Menorah and kinara are two types of candelabra.
5. What colors are associated with Kwanzaa?
Red, for the blood of our people, not shed in vain; green, representing hope; and black, for the faces of our people.
4. Is celebrating Kwanzaa tantamount to supporting black nationalism or separatism?
None of Kwanzaa's principles calls for nationalism or separatism. This myth probably originated because Karenga, the holiday's founder, was a militant activist in the 1960s.
3. Is Kwanzaa recognized as a state holiday anywhere?
No. But last year the United States Postal Service honored Kwanzaa with a postage stamp.
2. How many people celebrate Kwanzaa?
About 18 million people celebrate Kwanzaa.
And the number-one question folks want answered about Kwanzaa but are afraid to ask:
1. Can white people who are not of African descent participate in a Kwanzaa celebration?
The short answer is yes. American society is becoming increasingly racially and ethnically diverse. But cultural sensitivity is always appropriate. More and more of us have mixed ethnic backgrounds. It is important, though, to remember that a big part of the holiday is creating community among African-Americans.
When invited, I go to cultural and religious celebrations that are not part of my cultural or religious heritage. I participate in a way that is comfortable for my host and for me. It would be arrogant of me, a non-Jew, to dominate a Seder or Hanukkah celebration, for example. People who are not of African descent should approach Kwanzaa with the same attitude.
A proverb often quoted during Kwanzaa reads: "I am because we are; because we are, I am." Harambee! (Let's pull together!)
Many questions surround Kwanzaa, a holiday celebrating the roots of African-American history. Here are some answers.
10. Kwanzaa. Isn't that the African-American Christmas?
A lot of people assume that Kwanzaa was intended to replace Christmas. But the celebration has nothing to do with Christmas. Its purpose is to promote unity among African-Americans, as well as an understanding of our cultural roots. It was started in 1966 by Dr. Maulena Karenga, professor and chairman of black studies at California State University at Long Beach. The holiday is based on the cultures of Yorubas, Ibos, Ashantis, Zulus and other African tribes.
9. How long is Kwanzaa?
The celebration runs for seven days, from December 26 to January 1, and focuses on one principle each day: unity, self-determination, collective work, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
8. What religion do you have to be to celebrate Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday. It is celebrated by people of many faiths, as well as those who do not embrace any religion.
7. Why do people celebrate Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is sometimes criticized because it is a new holiday and lacks the historic roots of Hanukkah and Christmas, two prominent December holidays. But African-Americans' history in this country is relatively short--particularly our history as a free people. People celebrate Kwanzaa for a variety of reasons: to pay homage to our ancestors, for hope and faith, and for renewal and pride.
6. Doesn't Kwanzaa use a menorah or candelabrum?
A kinara (seven-branched candleholder) is used in Kwanzaa celebrations. Some confuse it with a menorah, which is used in Hanukkah celebrations. "Candelabrum" is a generic name for a branched candlestick. Menorah and kinara are two types of candelabra.
5. What colors are associated with Kwanzaa?
Red, for the blood of our people, not shed in vain; green, representing hope; and black, for the faces of our people.
4. Is celebrating Kwanzaa tantamount to supporting black nationalism or separatism?
None of Kwanzaa's principles calls for nationalism or separatism. This myth probably originated because Karenga, the holiday's founder, was a militant activist in the 1960s.
3. Is Kwanzaa recognized as a state holiday anywhere?
No. But last year the United States Postal Service honored Kwanzaa with a postage stamp.
2. How many people celebrate Kwanzaa?
About 18 million people celebrate Kwanzaa.
And the number-one question folks want answered about Kwanzaa but are afraid to ask:
1. Can white people who are not of African descent participate in a Kwanzaa celebration?
The short answer is yes. American society is becoming increasingly racially and ethnically diverse. But cultural sensitivity is always appropriate. More and more of us have mixed ethnic backgrounds. It is important, though, to remember that a big part of the holiday is creating community among African-Americans.
When invited, I go to cultural and religious celebrations that are not part of my cultural or religious heritage. I participate in a way that is comfortable for my host and for me. It would be arrogant of me, a non-Jew, to dominate a Seder or Hanukkah celebration, for example. People who are not of African descent should approach Kwanzaa with the same attitude.
A proverb often quoted during Kwanzaa reads: "I am because we are; because we are, I am." Harambee! (Let's pull together!)
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