Kwanzaa Celebration this Saturday

Help kick off the first day of Kwanzaa at Afro World's family-friendly Kwanzaa celebration this Saturday in Normandy.

Like many people who grew up celebrating Christmas, Kwanzaa has always been sort of a mystery holiday to me. I knew that it’s an African-American event and that it was created relatively recently, but I was surprised to learn that this week-long holiday is actually a celebration of family values and personal integrity, and that it’s rooted in African traditions dating back thousands of years.

Created in 1966 by California professor/activist Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa runs from December 26 through January 1 and its name is derived from the Swahili phrase for “first fruits.” During Kwanzaa, people of African descent are called together to build and reinforce the bonds of culture, community and family, guided by seven core principles known as the Nguzo Saba.

Gathering around a table decorated with seven symbolic items, including fruit to represent the harvest and a mat to represent tradition and history, Kwanzaa participants discuss and celebrate one core principle each day, gradually lighting seven candles to symbolize each one. The principles at the heart of the holiday are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.

In other words, Kwanzaa challenges African-Americans to be the very best they can be, offering a thoughtful and productive framework for positive change and cultural unity. It can also be fun, especially at Afro World!

This Saturday, December 26, the Normandy boutique will host its annual family Kwanzaa celebration, featuring storytelling by Redina Medley and Greg Reed, poetry and music by David A.N. Jackson, photos by the symbolic kinara candle holder, face painting, and gifts of books and fruit for children. The event runs from 1-5pm and is free and open to the public. Why not stop by and learn more about this empowering cultural holiday?

Afro World is located at 7276 Natural Bridge, 63121. For more info, call (314) 389-5194.

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