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Kwanzaa 2019 at The American Museum of Natural History by Clarke Illmatical
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Harlem Community Newspapers | January 2. 2020
n a mildly cold Saturday afternoon, thousands gathered at the American Museum of Natural History for Kwanzaa 2019. The museum has taken part in celebrating the holiday for over 35 years. Kwanzaa is a holiday created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, in 1966. Dr. Karenga felt that African Americans living outside of the motherland, were detached from much of the African culture and values. Using concepts from several African harvest celebrations he created the holiday. Over the last 15 years, the event has been produced by Voza Rivers of Community Works NYC. Speaking on the event and how it influences those in attendance, Mr. Rivers said
l-r Dr. Linda H. Humes, founder of Yaffa Cultural Arts, Inc., with Voza River and master drummer Sanga of the Valley.
“The principles of Kwanzaa are principles that people can live by. It’s spirituality. It’s like going to church. The message of Kwanzaa over the seven days inspires you with a principle. A lot of people come from the Kwanzaa celebration saying that they want to live by those principles.” This year’s show start-
Evetta Petty of Harlem’s Heaven hats
ed, with an opening discussion educating the audience about the Nguzo Saba, the seven principles of Kwanzaa, led by the event storyteller, Dr. Linda H. Humes along with master drummer Sanga of the Valley. This was followed by a soul-stirring performance by Obediah Wright’s Balance Dance Theater.
Embracing the Kwanzaa principle of Ujamaa, which focuses on cooperative economics, during the show, over 26 Harlem based artisans selected by the Harlem Arts Alliance had their items on display. This year’s Kwanzaa event is special for two reasons, it takes place during the 100th anniversary of the Harlem
“7 Principles 365” owner NMaatRa Ankhmeni with her daughter are selling traditional candle holders and candles to celebrate Kwanzaa.
Artists Patricia Brintle and Gina Samson with their art pieces.
l-r Princess Jenkins of The Brownstone (far right) with
Eugenia C. Foxworth of Foxworth Realty
12 Harlem women business owners
Renaissance and the 400 years since Africans arrived in the Virginia colonies, in 1619. Although, Africans had been in the Americas before this time. Special guest, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, addressed those in attendance, speaking about how the holiday influences her saying “I am
very moved by the seven principles of community building and community activation that are talked about every single night in Kwanzaa.” A large part of the event is educating people about Kwanzaa and its purpose for African Americans and those in the diaspora. Dr. Humes explained saying
Anu Essentials and founder Anu Prestonia.