by Paula Bowker
Daily Lobo
Kwanzaa is turning 38 this year.
It is an African-American and Pan-African holiday that celebrates family, community and culture. It is celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 and was created by Maulana Karenga in 1966.
Karenga, chair of the Department of Black Studies at California State University at Long Beach, believed in the need to preserve, revitalize and promote African-American culture.
Although it is an important holiday, not many New Mexicans know what it is all about, said Scoot Carreathers, director of African American Student Services.
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"It is not as prevalent in New Mexico as it is across the country because of the smaller population of African-Americans in New Mexico," Carreathers said.
Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanzaa," which means "first fruits."
"Kwanzaa is about togetherness of community and family," UNM student Antoinette Murphy said.
Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday that celebrates ancestors and the values of African traditions.
"It is a holiday to honor ancestors and loved ones that have passed before you to pay tribute to their spirits," said Touree Robinson, UNM graduate student.
The values of Kwanzaa are made up of seven principles - unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
During the celebration, greetings are given out in Swahili for the seven principles that represent each of the seven days of the celebration. Gifts are given mainly to children and must include a book to emphasize the African value and tradition of learning and a heritage symbol to reaffirm African tradition and history.
Decorations include the Kwanzaa colors - red, black and green - and traditional African items such as baskets, cloth patterns and art.
Each evening, families gather to light the candle corresponding to the principle of the day. While the candle is lit, the principle is discussed. Each person explains what the principle means to them and how they have practiced it.
Karenga said the principles are building blocks for a community that reinforce and enhance it.
Holidays have symbols that coincide with them - a tree for Christmas and the menorah for Hanukah. For Kwanzaa, it's a flag, a unity cup and candles.
Other activities for the celebration include increased education about African culture, making Kwanzaa items as symbols or gifts, and working on family projects.
The last day of celebration is called the day of meditation. Families discuss future hopes and dreams and also have time for self-reflection. They also recommit themselves to important values and goals for the year to come.
Kwanzaa celebration
Saturday, 7 to 10 p.m.
$20 general, $15 UNM faculty and staff
$10 students and children and
$10 seniors
UNM SUB Ballroom
Call 277-5645 for tickets and info
Green - African land and hope
Black - African race
Red - blood shed by African ancestors
Seven principles:
*Self-determination
*Purpose
*Creativity
*Unity
*Collective work and responsibility
*Cooperative
economics
*Faith
