by Brandale Mills
Daily Lobo
UNM's Kwanzaa celebration gave African-Americans the opportunity to unify and have an elegant event, said Cherita Price, president of Powerful Movement of Educated Sisters.
Students and families gathered in the SUB Ballroom for UNM's Kwanzaa celebration Saturday.
"We wanted to bring families together," Price said. "Immediate families, church families and community families."
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The theme of the evening was Ujima, one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa, meaning collective work and responsibility. The purpose of Ujima is to build and maintain the African-American community, Price said.
Each year the ceremony has a different theme commemorating one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
Ujima was the chosen theme because diseases like AIDS and breast cancer affect the African-American community, Price said.
Price said African-Americans should be more aware of the AIDS epidemic rising in their community, and it should motivate them to be responsible and get tested.
"It's our responsibility as an African-American community to make our people healthier," she said.
Kwanzaa pays tribute to the cultural roots of African ancestry and is based on the seven fundamental principles known as Nguzo Saba. The principles are Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).
UNM student Melinda Brown said the celebration gave families an opportunity to enrich their lives.
"It's a day to celebrate my heritage, because sometimes it gets ignored," she said.
Brown said the celebration has improved and grown in the four years she has attended.
UNM's Praise Dancers, Gospel Choir and Rhythm Cartel performed during the ceremony with Highland High School's Step Team, and a band played throughout the evening between acts.
During the celebration, Kwanzaa candles representing seven principles were lit one by one followed by a brief explanation of the principles.
W. Scott Carreathers, director of African American Student Services, said Kwanzaa is an opportunity to commit to practicing good deeds throughout the world.
"Don't take the principles in vain," he said. "Get out and do something."
Kelly Campbell, choir president of UNM Gospel, said Kwanzaa is a time of celebration for the African-American culture.
She said the celebration was a chance for African-Americans to come together and show their abilities.
"It's beautiful to see our people come together," she said.
Kim Harris said Kwanzaa brings all types of people from different nationalities together to celebrate the African-American culture.
"It's a perfect way to give honor to our ancestors for the struggles they've endured - both past and present," she said.
